Alec Walker (Cary Grant) is horseback riding when he comes across a young woman, Julie Eden (Carole Lombard), fishing on the bank of a stream. They talk, eventually spending the afternoon together. They make arrangements to meet again the next day, and the relationship takes off. But there is another woman--Maida Walker (Kay Francis), the wife of Alec. In name only. They have a loveless marriage. The only thing that holds them together is Maida's refusal to give Alec a divorce.
Eventually, Julie discovers Alec is married and he has to convince her that their relationship is more valid that his empty marriage. Maida plays the villain; she does not care for Alec but she hangs on in hopes of eventual financial reward.
The story condemns marital laws and society, which value the "sanctity of marriage" above all else. Things have changed since the thirties, but this story of love thwarted by conventions still engages the emotions of the viewer.
All of the lead actors plays their roles well. Helen Vinson plays the part of Suzanne, Maida's "best friend", who has her own reasons for tormenting the couple.
Eventually, Julie discovers Alec is married and he has to convince her that their relationship is more valid that his empty marriage. Maida plays the villain; she does not care for Alec but she hangs on in hopes of eventual financial reward.
The story condemns marital laws and society, which value the "sanctity of marriage" above all else. Things have changed since the thirties, but this story of love thwarted by conventions still engages the emotions of the viewer.
All of the lead actors plays their roles well. Helen Vinson plays the part of Suzanne, Maida's "best friend", who has her own reasons for tormenting the couple.