Newland Archer, an eligible young man of the establishment, is about to announce his engagement to May Welland, a pretty ingenue, when May` s cousin, Countess Olenska, is introduced into their circle. The Countess brings with her an aura of European sophistication and a hint of scandal, having left her husband and claimed her independence.
Her sorrowful eyes, her tragic worldliness and her air of unapproachability attract the sensitive Newland. Almost against their will, a passionate bond develops between them. But Archer` s life has no place for passion, and, with society on the side of May and all she stands for, he finds himself drawn into a bitter conflict between love and duty.