New York City socialite Letty Lynton (Joan Crawford) has been living in Montevideo, Uruguay and wants to end her affair with Emile Renaul (Nils Asther). After several failed attempts to leave him, the only way she can is by leaving the country. On a steamship to the United States, Letty sees wealthy American, Jerry Darrow (Robert Montgomery (actor)), and is immediately attracted to him and he to her. Both unknowingly bribe the purser to be seated for meals at the same table. At dinner, their attraction increases, and after two weeks at sea, they have fallen in love.