The Bigamist

Harry and Eve Graham decide to pursue adoption after Eve's infertility. They meet with adoption agent Mr. Jordan, who insists on a thorough background and lifestyle check. Jordan’s concern hints at trouble to come as he starts the routine inquiry.

Jordan travels to Los Angeles to gather information about Harry's whereabouts and current life. The hotel reception and staff cannot confirm Harry Graham's recent stays, suggesting he has been elusive. His determination to uncover the truth grows with each dead end.

Jordan locates a Harrison Graham at a different address and finds Harry living with another wife and a baby. He contemplates calling the police but decides to dig deeper after the shocking discovery. The find sets the stage for a long flashback that reveals how this situation unfolded.

Through a lengthy flashback, the audience learns that Eve's infertility has strained their marriage and left Harry feeling isolated. Desperate for connection, Harry considers stepping back from the business to focus on their relationship. The seed of his later choices is planted as he seeks solace elsewhere.

During a trip to Los Angeles, Harry meets Phyllis on a bus tour of Hollywood stars' homes. They spend time together and Harry finds himself drawn to her, a companionship he lacks at home. Phyllis keeps her distance about his background, unaware of his marriage.

Romantic feelings develop as their relationship grows beyond companionship. On Harry's final night in town, they sleep together, and Harry senses the consequences of his dual life looming. Phyllis remains unaware of the marriage, complicating any later confession.

Back home, Harry resolves to rededicate himself to Eve and to hand off the L.A. business to others. Eve shows receptivity to adoption again, signaling hope for their future. The couple begins to imagine a normal life together.

Eve's father falls ill, forcing her to spend time with her family in Florida. This creates distance between the couple and adds pressure to their marriage. Harry's responsibilities in Los Angeles remain unresolved as he plans for the future.

Three months pass, and Eve remains away, while Harry must return to Los Angeles to handle ongoing business interests. The adoption process continues in the background, but their personal life remains unsettled. The distance fuels Harry's sense of dilemma about his fidelity.

Harry discovers that Phyllis is pregnant and grapples with whether to stay or abandon her. Phyllis tells him she doesn't want to trap him, complicating his sense of duty. He chooses to stay for the child's sake, further obscuring his already tangled loyalties.

Instead of confessing to Eve or ending the affair, Harry marries Phyllis bigamously in California. He hopes to protect his new family while keeping the secret until the adoption is finalized. Eve’s hope for motherhood remains in shadow as the truth hides behind a veneer of normalcy.

In the present, Jordan leaves after hearing the full story, unable to bring himself to involve the police. He experiences a mix of contempt and pity for Harry as the audience learns the truth of his double life. The revelation leaves the immediate future uncertain.

Harry writes a farewell letter to the sleeping Phyllis and quietly leaves the house. He contemplates his fate as his two lives threaten to collide with law and social scrutiny. The act is a final attempt to preserve some dignity before the inevitable consequences.

Eve returns to San Francisco as police gather outside, aware of Harry's double life. Harry faces a bigamy trial; his two wives meet in court, and the judge notes he will be obliged to support both. The film ends with him awaiting sentencing, leaving the outcome unresolved.