This fictionalized biography of the famed American inventor's life provided actor with his signature role. For years after its release, people even referred to the telephone as "an Ameche." The story begins in 1873 Boston as Bell endeavors to teach deaf people to speak in the manner invented by his father. When not teaching, Bell tinkers with his various inventions. Opportunity knocks when Bell is befriended by an aristocratic fellow ( ) who wants Bell to help teach his daughter ( ) to speak. Bell agrees and falls in love with her. It is she who inspires and encourages him to invent the telephone, while it is young Watson ( ) who assists him. After they meet with success, the inventors must do battle in court with Western Union, the company that held the patent to the telegraph.