Hell Gate to Golden Gate

Synopsis

It’s 1909, a time of great controversy over women’s rights. CARL KELSEY, a slick automobile sales agent, defies society’s standards for women when he convinces ALICE HUYLER RAMSEY to become the first woman to drive an automobile from New York City to San Francisco as a way of increasing the dwindling sales of the Maxwell automobile. Alice was raised to believe that she could do anything a man could do and is fiercely independent. She agrees to go on the journey, because she sees the opportunity as a perfect way to promote women’s rights, which is something she longs for. Even though Alice plans to take her friend, HERMAINE, an auto mechanic, she faces a great deal of opposition. Her husband, JOHN, is reluctant to let her make the trip because of the stigma she would endure by leaving their three-year-old son and because of the damage she could do to his political career. He insists that she take along his sisters NETTIE and MARGARET who despise her independence and Hermaine’s masculine demeanor. Alice’s bold disposition threatens many men, including bank president GEORGE DIXON, who blames her for his wife’s leaving him to become a suffragette. He threatens John’s political aspirations and secretly conspires with Alice’s sisters-in-law and others to sabotage the journey. The owners of the Maxwell-Briscoe Automobile Agency aren’t about to let Alice make the trip without being led by a man, so behind her back they hire J.D. MURPHY, the automobile editor of the Boston Herald to travel ahead of the women posing as their advance agent so that he can be in control. Of course, Alice is furious and vows that there is no way that J.D. will take the helm of her trip. Inclement weather and sabotage attempts plague Alice throughout the trip and put her in jeopardy on several occasions. Her ingenuity and mechanical abilities seem to always pull her through, but eventually she is worn down and realizes that she is going to need assistance. For the first time in her life, Alice is vulnerable. Help comes from the most unlikely place. J.D., the man who takes Alice’s control away, gives it back and provides her with the support and encouragement she needs to be successful. She is relieved and develops a kindred spirit and passionate feelings towards J.D., but doesn’t give in to her desires, because her heart belongs to her husband. Fighting amongst the women is constant. The frustration levels become so high that Hermaine is ready to explode. Alice cringes at the dainty and fragile demeanor of Margaret, and Nettie’s bossy attitude is enough to send anyone into a rage. By the time Alice finds out about the betrayal by her sisters-in-law, Nettie has become accustomed to the challenges and excitement of the journey and wants to continue despite Alice wanting to send them packing. Of course, the ever whining, Margaret, isn’t convinced and wants to go home. When the bank president finds out that Alice's sisters-in-laws and his henchman has failed, he vows to finish the job himself. He is successful and creates a dangerous situation where Alice sustains life-threatening injuries. While recuperating, Margaret realizes the importance of the trip and agrees with Nettie that they should continue. The townspeople work together to fix the automobile. Alice is energized by their love and commitment to her and decides to complete the journey. Courage, tenacity, and teamwork lead the women to San Francisco where they are honored for their accomplishment.