Paul Newman stars as ambitious Alfred Eaton, whose drive to climb the corporate and social ladders forces him to choose between love and his all-consuming career. Relentless in his pursuit of success, he neglects his wife (Joanne Woodward), who finds comfort in the arms of another man (Patrick O'Neal). Meanwhile, Alfred takes up with a young beauty (Ina Balin) -- but his affair could cost him everything just as his reward is within his grasp.