Looking for a means to rise above her station, struggling model Leonora Eames (Barbara Bel Geddes) marries millionaire Smith Ohlrig (Robert Ryan) -- a character reportedly based on Howard Hughes -- but her hopes are soon dashed when she discovers his sadistic ways. Leonora tires of being a kept woman and goes to work for a kind doctor (James Mason), who wins her heart. But Smith isn't about to let his trophy wife escape without a fight.