John Prentice (William Powell) is a highly successful Manhattan defense attorney. His wife, Evelyn (Myrna Loy), loves him very much, and as members of New York's high society, they enjoy an elegant and enviable lifestyle. But loneliness soon drives Evelyn into the arms of another, more romantic man. The affair is ended when the man blackmails Evelyn and is murdered. Another woman is accused of the crime and Evelyn begs John to defend her. He takes the case and for the first time in his career, it looks like John Prentice is going to lose. Then, just before the jury sends the other woman to the electric chair, Evelyn makes a startling confession.