It is the year 1831, and amidst the backdrop of British colonial ambition, King William IV has assigned a new governor, Cecil Parker, to oversee New South Wales in Australia. Dressed in a military redcoat and cocked hat, he speaks at the arrival ceremony, although his address is hindered by the unruly remarks of spectators.
Among those present is Charles Adare (Michael Wilding), the governor's younger cousin, who has come from Ireland. Shortly after the speech concludes, a local banker approaches Charles with offers of assistance, despite Charles admitting he has no funds and is seeking fortune in Sydney. Their meeting the following day introduces him to the influential landowner, Sam Flusky (Joseph Cotten), whose reputation is tainted by a convict past. Sam proposes a business venture that could yield quick profits, leveraging his connection to the governor.
Charles, eager for easy money, discusses the plan with his uncle, but the cautious Attorney General Corrigan (Denis O'Dea) warns him against engaging with Flusky, labeling him as unsavory. Nonetheless, Charles's desire for wealth leads him to dinner at Flusky's opulent home, where it becomes apparent Flusky is intrigued by Charles purely for his royal ties. During this dinner gathering, Charles encounters Lady Henrietta (Ingrid Bergman), Sam’s wife, a woman he remembers from his childhood, who now appears emotionally unstable and heavily reliant on alcohol.
> “Why Weepest Thou?” resonates through Flusky's estate, as Milly (Margaret Leighton), the housekeeper, maintains a tyrannical control over the household. Following disturbing revelations about Hattie's condition and the toxic dynamics influenced by Milly, Charles resolves to help restore her sense of self.
As Charles moves in to foster Hattie's recovery, he learns of her troubled past—a romance that resulted in scandal back in Ireland. Lady Henrietta's former ties to Sam Flusky and her unresolved trauma contribute to her deteriorating state, exacerbated by Milly’s manipulations. Determined to challenge Milly's control, Charles encourages Hattie to reclaim her life and independence.
Striving to empower her, Charles initiates small victories, such as coaxing her to confront her reflection in a mirror after years of neglect. This newfound confidence, however, creates tension with Milly, who resorts to subterfuge. Charles's efforts lead to a promising invitation to the governor's ball, yet, underwhelmed by her husband's attitude, Hattie ultimately attends with Charles, dazzling the social elite and even capturing the governor's attention.
However, turmoil is ever-present, with Milly scheming to sabotage Hattie's progress while igniting Sam’s jealousy and insecurities. When provoked, Sam publicly humiliates Hattie, causing her deep distress and prompting a confession of her past to Charles—the revelation that she had unintentionally caused her brother's death.
In a tragic turn of events, an altercation with Sam results in Charles getting shot, leading to more heartbreak as they navigate the legal ramifications of this violent outburst. As the investigation unfolds, tensions peak with the moral dilemmas each character must confront, including Hattie's desperate attempt to save Sam by confessing to a crime he was unjustly imprisoned for.
Ultimately, Charles returns to Ireland, leaving behind a reconciled Sam and Hattie, who, after overcoming great adversity and deception, discover solace in one another’s company, illustrating that love can indeed flourish amidst life's challenges.
