Nellie Bly is hired by Joseph Pulitzer's "New York World", a leading newspaper known for its sensationalism and investigative journalism. She impresses the editors with her daring and determination.

Nellie Bly undertakes her first major assignment for the "New York World": to feign insanity in order to be committed to the Women's Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell's Island (now Roosevelt Island). She practices appearing disoriented and delusional.

Nellie Bly successfully convinces doctors and authorities that she is insane and is committed to the Women's Lunatic Asylum. She spends ten days documenting the appalling conditions and the abuse suffered by the patients.

Inside the asylum, Nellie Bly witnesses and experiences firsthand the horrific conditions, including inadequate food, unsanitary living quarters, physical abuse by the staff, and the neglect of the patients' mental and physical health. She carefully records her observations in her mind.

After ten days, the "New York World" arranges for Nellie Bly's release from the asylum. She writes a series of articles based on her experiences, which are later published as a book titled 'Ten Days in a Mad-House'.

Nellie Bly's exposé generates a massive public outcry and leads to a grand jury investigation of the asylum. Significant reforms are implemented, including increased funding for mental health care and improvements in the treatment of patients.