Letty Lynton

Letty Lynton, living in Montevideo, resolves to end her affair with Emile Renaul. She sees leaving the country as the only viable way to start over. With that plan in mind, she prepares for a voyage back to the United States.

On a steamship bound for the United States, Letty and Jerry Darrow are seated at the same table after secretly bribing to dine together. Over two weeks at sea they grow closer, their attraction deepening into love. They remain largely unaware of each other's pasts as they fall for one another.

During Christmas Eve dinner, Letty discovers she has no telegram while Jerry pretends to be alone as well. The moment leads to their first kiss at sea. The festive game marks a turning point as their relationship becomes real.

Jerry unexpectedly proposes, and Letty accepts, believing she can start a new life with him. The engagement feels like a fresh start away from her past. They anticipate a future together, despite the looming shadow of Emile.

Upon docking in New York, Letty is shocked to find Emile waiting on the dock, having flown from South America to reclaim her. He makes clear his intention to take her back and keep control over her. Letty then hurries home to speak with her mother about the engagement.

Letty's mother, Mrs. Lynton, is embittered and lacks affection, treating Letty as irresponsible. Meanwhile, Jerry phones to say they are invited to his parents' home in Upstate New York and will depart that night after Letty tells her mother about the engagement.

Emile arrives to press the talk Letty dodges on the pier and warns that he will reveal her letters if she does not meet him. Letty, revolted by the threat, resolves that she would rather die than spend her life with Emile.

Letty goes to Emile's hotel carrying a bottle of poison, intent on getting the letters and ending the threat. She pleads for a chance at happiness, but Emile refuses and insists the affair will end only on his terms.

Inside Emile's hotel room, Emile returns, strikes Letty, and drinks the poison himself after taking her glass. The poison takes effect and he dies while Letty screams in horror. She then cleans the room of fingerprints and leaves, choosing to move on despite the crime.

The next day, Letty and Jerry arrive at his parents’ home in Upstate New York, only to be confronted by a New York police detective who wants to talk to Letty. They accompany the detective to face District Attorney Haney.

Haney begins questioning everyone, accusing Letty of murder and confronting her with Emile's letters. Jerry interrupts to defend Letty, claiming they spent the night together at his apartment and that he knew about the letters.

Mrs. Lynton corroborates Jerry's version, and Letty's maid Miranda also supports the accounts. An additional witness testifies to overheard threats from Emile. With the testimonies and letters, Haney declares the case closed and Letty is free to go.