Behold My Wife!

Michael returns home drunk and tells the butler that he intends to marry Mary White the very next day. This announcement shocks his family and exposes the clash between romance and social reputation. The scene sets the central tension that drives the rest of the plot.

The next morning, Diana visits Mary's apartment and ends the relationship, branding Mary as disgraceful to the family. Mary struggles to believe the claims, while the butler confirms the cruel lies over the phone. The seeds of tragedy begin to sprout as Mary confronts a world that has already judged her.

Diana hands Mary a check and a ticket to California, effectively severing their ties. Just as she finishes, a scream pulls Diana back to the street, where she finds Mary's lifeless body on the sidewalk. The moment reveals the deadly consequences of the family feud.

In despair over Mary's death, Michael vows vengeance on his prejudiced family. He drives out West, stopping at many bars along the way as he tries to cope with his loss. The pursuit of retribution propels him toward a new, dangerous alliance.

At a Western bar, Michael meets an intoxicated Apache man named Pete and Pete's girlfriend Tonita. In a scuffle, Pete pulls a pistol and shoots Michael in the shoulder, while Tonita tries to help. Michael then asks Tonita to marry him as a way to strike back at his own family.

Back in the city, the Carter family waits at the station for Michael's return, with everyone already aware of his relationship with Tonita. Diana proposes a grand reception to introduce the newlyweds to society and invites influential guests. The plan foreshadows the social spectacle that will underline the family drama.

On the eve of the reception, Diana sneaks into Tonita's room and persuades her to wear a beautiful night dress. Michael had wanted Tonita dressed in Apache attire to embarrass the family, but Diana's plan aims to control the narrative. Tonita's poised defiance complicates the plan.

Tonita captivates the guests with wit, which only fuels Michael's anger about the social ruse. He feels the family has won a victory and confronts Tonita about his rage. She storms out with Bob Prentice, her lover, toward Prentice's apartment.

Diana trails Tonita and Prentice to his apartment and tells Prentice that Tonita left her husband for him. Prentice refuses to take Tonita back, setting the stage for violence. The tension between desire and betrayal intensifies.

Diana shoots Prentice with a revolver when he shows no interest in reconciling with Tonita. Tonita contemplates taking the blame, but the immediate consequence is a murder. The act deepens the web of secrets surrounding the couple.

Tonita offers to take the blame for Prentice's murder and surrenders to the police. She believes there is no reason to live if Michael is condemned alongside her. Her sacrifice underscores the complexities of loyalty and love.

Michael arrives at Prentice's apartment, finds the body, and fabricates a confession that he killed Prentice. He tells the police the story, hoping to protect Tonita. The web of lies deepens as investigators close in.

At the police station, Tonita reveals that Diana killed Prentice to destroy the dangerous triangle of love and ambition. The police had secretly been listening to Tonita's confession, so the couple can finally pursue their life together. The revelation reframes the entire tragedy as a chain of manipulations exposed.