Beloved Infidel

She sails from England to the United States, bringing word of her royal lineage and network of contacts. John Wheeler, a newspaper editor, hires her to write a column. Her blunt, gossipy style quickly grows in popularity, and she is offered her own radio program.

Her column's popularity makes her a household name in the U.S., and she is offered her own radio program. The success reinforces her authority in journalism and expands her media presence in New York.

At a party held by humorist Bob Carter, Sheilah meets F. Scott Fitzgerald. An immediate attraction forms, even though Scott remains married to Zelda, who is institutionalized at a psychiatric hospital. The encounter foreshadows a tumultuous relationship.

To meet financial obligations, Scott accepts a job in Hollywood writing film scripts. He believes his novels are no longer of interest and hopes screen work will sustain him. The move marks a turning point toward a different kind of fame.

Scott's excessive drinking takes a toll on his mood and productivity. He is haunted by Zelda and the memories of their past, which casts a shadow over his recent work. The downward spiral affects his relationship with Sheilah.

A play in Pasadena, based on one of Scott's stories, is produced, drawing Sheilah to see it. The performers are high school students who seem unaware that the author is still alive. Sheilah is struck by the ironic distance between his fame and the reality of the production.

Sheilah copes with his growing alcoholism and tries to leave him. Scott sends a goodbye note that sounds suicidal, underscoring the fragility of their bond. Sheilah's concern for his well-being deepens the emotional stakes.

Sheilah confesses that much of her glamorous persona is a lie, admitting she grew up in the London slums. She argues with Scott about the pain behind their façades and seeks truth and protection. Her revelation reshapes their dynamic.

Sheilah urges Scott to write another book, hoping to reclaim his past success. He submits the first four chapters, but a publisher's rejection letter arrives, dampening his already fragile spirits. The setback deepens Sheilah's concern for him.

Sheilah's radio show is based in Chicago, and she travels there for work. During the journey, Scott's abusive behavior escalates, first aboard an airplane and later toward one of her colleagues. The tension foreshadows the collapse of their partnership.

The studio fires Scott, deeming his script work unacceptable and no longer marketable. He loses his professional standing in Hollywood, while Sheilah remains devoted to him. The rejection marks a turning point in his career.

Scott's health deteriorates, and he collapses and dies, leaving Sheilah to confront the end of an era. He remains a haunting memory as Sheilah continues her media career. The film underscores the cost of genius entangled with fame and personal demons.