Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife

In the French Riviera, wealthy businessman Michael Brandon visits a store to buy pajamas but only wants the tops. When the store refuses to sell the bottoms separately, Nicole offers to buy just the pant bottoms, initiating a flirtatious exchange. They discuss Michael's insomnia and the purpose of the pajamas, hinting at personal details.

Due to his insomnia, Michael's hotel managers move him to a higher-floor suite, hoping it will help him sleep better. The new suite is occupied by the Marquis de Loiselle, who is behind on his hotel bill, setting the stage for an encounter that reveals personal connections.

Michael recognizes the Marquis' pajama bottoms and realizes Nicole is his daughter. This discovery leads him to reconsider his opinions about the Marquis and furthers his interest in Nicole, prompting him to buy a valuable bathtub once owned by King Louis XIV.

Michael quickly pursues Nicole and proposes marriage within the same day. She initially refuses, but her feelings change later, and she accepts his proposal, much to Michael's joy, cementing their budding relationship.

Nicole is horrified to learn that Michael has been married seven times previously, which causes her to call off the wedding due to her disapproval. Michael attempts to reassure her by explaining his financial arrangements with his ex-wives.

Michael offers each of his wives a prenuptial agreement guaranteeing $50,000 annually in case of divorce. Nicole demands double that amount, and Michael agrees, showing his wealth and willingness to meet her demands.

During their honeymoon in Czechoslovakia and later at their Paris home, Nicole keeps Michael at arm's length, leading him to believe she may want a divorce. He becomes more determined to keep her interested, attempting to 'tame' her based on Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew.'

Michael tries to imitate Petruchio's method from Shakespeare to influence Nicole, but she resists and retaliates; she slaps him when he slaps her, and bites him before applying iodine when spanked, showcasing her strength and independence.

Nicole writes anonymous letters claiming she has a lover, but Michael hires a private detective to find out the truth. To trap her, she is persuaded to pretend she has a lover, a boxer named Kid Mulligan, leading to comical misunderstandings.

Count Albert De Regnier is mistaken for Nicole's lover after returning a purse, leading to him being knocked out by Kid Mulligan. This incident prompts Michael to believe Nicole is unfaithful and he ultimately divorces her.

Six months after the divorce, Michael experiences a nervous breakdown and is placed in a sanitarium. Nicole attempts to visit him but is barred entry, emphasizing the emotional distance and unresolved tensions.

Nicole visits Michael secretly, revealing that she loved him from first sight and wanted to reform his marriage habits. She explains that her intentions are genuine now that she is financially independent, aiming to rekindle their relationship.

Michael frees himself from the straitjacket, menaces Nicole but then embraces her, symbolizing his acceptance and the revival of their relationship, ending with a scene of renewed mutual affection.