In 1972 , playwrite Richard Collier becomes fascinated by a photograph of Elise McKenna, a turn of the century stage actress, while staying at the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island. As Richard's obsession grows , he learns from a friend that time travel may be actually be possible through hypnosis. Richard travels through time in to meet Elise , and the two appear destined to be together. However , Elise's jealous manager attempts to keep them apart .