Famous pianist Franz Liszt (Dirk Bogarde) is unhappily married to Countess Marie D'Agoult (Genevieve Page) and considers quitting performing in order to devote his life to God. However, he then meets Princess Carolyne (Capucine), the wife of Prince Nicholas (Ivan Desny) of Russia, and instantly falls in love with her. Liszt follows the princess on her tour around Europe and eventually leaves his wife, hoping to marry Carolyne. However, Nicolas is not ready to give her up.