Based on a novel by W. Somerset Maugham, this drama follows Philip Carey (Leslie Howard), an English medical student who abandons his artistic aspirations when he falls for Mildred Rogers (Bette Davis), a callous and manipulative waitress. Despite Mildred's abuse, Philip becomes completely obsessed with her as she walks into and out of his life. Whenever it seems that Philip is ready to move on, Mildred reappears, in a seemingly inescapable vicious cycle.