There are great band leaders -- and then there's Eddy Duchin (Tyrone Power), who becomes an overnight sensation when he plays during the intermission of Leo Reisman's orchestra one night. He gets on stage thanks to a beautiful woman, socialite Marjorie Oelrichs (Kim Novak), with whom Duchin has a passionate, loving and ultimately tragic relationship. After an acclaimed musical career interrupted by World War II, the only challenge left for Duchin is reconnecting with his estranged son.