Over a number of years and continents, we watch as Chicago scion Larry Darrell (Tyrone Power), newly returned from World War I, breaks off his engagement to the lovely but shallow Isabel (Gene Tierney) in order to run off to Paris, and then India, in search of enlightenment. Years pass, the stock market crashes, and the former lovers are reunited. Larry has found the peace he seeks, but the now-married Isabel is still obsessed with him, resulting in great tragedy.