Julian Kay, portrayed by Richard Gere, is a young gigolo thriving as a wealthy ladies' escort in the glamorous underbelly of Los Angeles. His managing pimp, Anne (Nina Van Pallandt), regards him as her star attraction, even though his loyalties are not entirely with her. As preparations for an upscale job with a Swedish client unfold, Julian seems more focused on negotiating the best cut for himself rather than the actual details of the work. His priorities become apparent when he opts out of a tanning session with fellow escorts, Michele Drake and Linda Horn.
When a last-minute gig arises for a chauffeuring task in Palm Springs, Julian, although initially reluctant, agrees to the job for a hefty 90% of the fees, leaving his employer Leon James (Bill Duke) with no choice but to capitulate to his greed. During his job, Julian finds himself growing fond of a wealthy widow, and after this encounter, he attempts to connect with Michelle Stratton, played by Lauren Hutton, at an upscale restaurant. Their conversation quickly reveals mutual interest, though Julian's facade as a mere guide doesn't seamlessly hold up.
Later, in a disturbing twist, during a job for a man named Tom Rheiman (Tom Stewart), Julian finds himself involved in a shocking incident that leads to the tragic murder of Judy Rheiman (Patricia "Patti" Carr). From that point, Detective Sunday (Hector Elizondo) arrives to question Julian about Judy's death, sparking a series of events where Julian desperately tries to prove his innocence in a mounting web of lies and police scrutiny.
As Julian navigates these dangers, he becomes entangled in a secretive affair with Michelle, who feels trapped in a loveless marriage with her political husband, Charles Stratton (Brian Davies). Despite the risks, their connection deepens, leading to tense moments as Charles becomes suspicious. Throughout all of this, Julian must maintain his alibi while evading the watchful eye of the police, who are piecing together the events surrounding Judy's murder.
Determined to fight against suspicions surrounding his involvement, Julian's desperation grows as he seeks the truth and a way to free himself from a frame-up orchestrated by someone close to him. As he balances the danger of his double life and an emotional bond with Michelle, who defies social conventions to support him, Julian finds himself spiraling deeper into chaos.
The walls close in as the cops invade his privacy and tension in his relationship with Michelle escalates. In a devastating climax, Julian's choices culminate in a violent confrontation that leaves him grappling with the consequences of his actions.
The story weaves a complex narrative of love, betrayal, and survival, leading to an emotional climax where Michelle's sacrifice and the media storm surrounding Julian's case hint at the possibility of redemption, albeit through a haze of uncertainty and scandal. As their fates intertwine, the question remains whether love can triumph over circumstance in a world built on deception.
