Dick Diver is an American doctor studying in Switzerland. On the day he leaves to join the army, he meets heiress Nicole Warren, who is young and beautiful, but troubled.
Against all common sense, Dick and Nicole get married and settle on the Riviera where they have been living in style for some years, thanks to Nicole's money.
Young film star Rosemary Hoyt meets and fall in love with Dick. The Divers and friends, including Rosemary, take a holiday in Paris.
Following disastrous events in Paris, Rosemary Hoyt returns to Hollywood and the Divers to their life on the Riviera and then onto Gstaad for Christmas.
Dick's drinking is affecting his work. Running the clinic in Switzerland has disillusioned Dick as Nicole's disability continues to threaten. Stifled by her continuing dependence, Dick goes to Rome.
Dick's heavy drinking becomes an embarrassment to the clinic. The Divers return to the Riviera once again, as Dick and Nicole's lives begin to unravel.