The Last Time I Saw Paris

As Europe celebrates the end of World War II, Charles Wills covers the streets of Paris. A beautiful woman suddenly kisses him and vanishes, leaving him curious about her identity and the fate that brought them together.

Charles follows the crowd to Café Dhingo where he meets Marion Ellswirth. She invites him to join her father's end-of-war celebration, drawing him further into her circle.

Charles accompanies Marion and her sister Helen to the Ellswirth home. He discovers that the kiss came from Helen, Marion's younger sister, revealing who he has just met.

James Ellswirth survived World War I and raised his daughters in the Lost Generation's spirit, pursuing luxury and culture. Helen uses her beauty to sustain a glamorous life even when money is tight, while Marion seeks more conventional suitors.

Charles and Helen start a romance and fall in love against the backdrop of postwar Paris. They navigate desire, ambition, and the tensions between art, wealth, and security.

After Helen recovers from pneumonia, they marry and settle in Paris. Helen gives birth to their daughter, Vickie, solidifying their new family.

Marion, having lost Charles to Helen, marries Claude Matine, a French suitor and aspiring prosecutor. The sisters' lives take divergent paths as wealth and love intertwine.

The barren Texas oil fields James bought years earlier begin producing, bringing wealth to Charles as a dowry. He quits his newspaper job, and Helen and James start hosting parties as wealth reshapes their priorities.

Helen flirts with Paul Lane, a handsome tennis player, while Charles pursues a Monte Carlo-to-Paris race to chase excitement and recognition. Their diversions strain their marriage.

Returning from the race, Charles finds Helen in Café Dhingo with Paul. A heated fight erupts between the men, and Charles goes home, locking the door behind him.

Helen cannot enter when she returns home and walks to her sister's home in snow and rain. She catches pneumonia again and dies, cutting short their fragile happiness.

Marion is awarded full custody of Vickie, and Charles returns to America.

A few years pass. Charles has published a book, trimmed his drinking, and returns to Paris to persuade Marion to give him custody of Vickie. Marion remains resentful for his past choices.

Marion visits Café Dhingo, where Charles gazes at a painting of Helen. Marion tells him that Helen would not have wanted him to be alone, and Claude stands with Vickie as she runs to him.