Easy Virtue

In the early 1930s, Larita, a free-spirited woman from Detroit, encounters John Whittaker in Monaco. Their connection blossoms quickly, leading to a whirlwind romance that culminates in marriage.

After getting married, John brings Larita back to his family's mansion near Flintham in rural Nottinghamshire. This visit is daunting for Larita as she confronts the challenges of meeting her in-laws, including her mother-in-law, Veronica.

Larita is introduced to John's family, including his two neurotic sisters, Hilda and Marion. Veronica expresses her disapproval from the start, and the family dynamic becomes apparent as Larita navigates these new relationships.

While adjusting to her new life, Larita accidentally squashes Poppy, the family’s pet chihuahua. This incident prompts a rather morbid reaction from the family when the corpse is later dug up by a hound, intensifying the hostility towards Larita.

At a fundraising event, Larita teaches Hilda the Can-Can dance, leading to an embarrassing incident when Hilda dances without proper attire. This event humiliates Hilda and adds fuel to the already tense relationship between Larita and the sisters.

Larita starts to rebel against her restrictive environment by expressing her American traditions, such as reading Lady Chatterley's Lover and protesting against a fox hunt. Her actions create a rift with Veronica and the rest of the family.

Veronica's disdainful attitude towards Larita intensifies when she discovers Larita and John in an intimate moment. This event marks a significant turning point, leading to increasing isolation for Larita within the family.

Hilda uncovers troubling details about Larita's past, including her previous marriage and charges of murder, though Larita was acquitted. This revelation causes John to withdraw emotionally from Larita, further complicating their relationship.

During a disastrous Christmas party hosted by Veronica, Larita becomes increasingly withdrawn and hides in her bedroom. A series of embarrassing events, including Furber's drunken antics, highlight the dysfunctionality of the family.

Feeling suffocated and unsupported, Larita decides to leave John and the Whittaker family. As she prepares to depart, she shares a heartfelt moment with Sarah, giving her wedding ring as a parting gift.

In a tense confrontation, Larita and Veronica argue about the family’s past and Larita's future. Larita urges John’s sisters to leave and explore the world, while expressing her own need to escape the suffocating environment.

Larita ends her relationship with John, acknowledging that he does not understand true love. This confrontation starkly underscores the emotional chasm that has developed between them.

As Larita prepares to leave, she says her final goodbyes to Furber and Jackson, appreciating their kindness amidst her struggles. In an act of defiance, she smashes a bust in the mansion before departing.

Just as Larita is ready to leave, Jim surprises her by joining her in her departure, eager to escape the constraints of their lives. Together, they set off on a new adventure, symbolizing a break from the past.