At the Venus de Milo nightclub located in beautiful Nice on the French Riviera, gigolo Christopher Tracy (Prince) entertains the wealthy clientele with his piano skills while raising a glass in a toast. A voiceover reflects on his life, revealing that while he thrived on the company and money of various rich women, it was ultimately love for one particular woman that would define his fate. As he plays melodious tunes, a captivating woman dressed in white catches his eye as she sits in a chair meant just for him. Meanwhile, his partner Tricky (Jerome Benton), observes from a nearby table, providing Christopher with strategic notes on how to win her heart while subtly reminding him of their financial needs. With shared glances and silent communication, the two assess each other until she sends over a drink and leaves behind a generous pile of cash, solidifying their intention for the evening.
The next day dawns and Christopher leaves a note for the enchanting woman in white on her pillow. He retreats to his secret hillside grotto, a hidden sanctuary where he pens poetry and composes music. Back in Nice, he shares some of his earnings with local children and helps a woman at the flower market before returning home. At his apartment, Tricky is caught in a passionate embrace with the landlady, Katy (Emmanuelle Sallet), who is demanding two months of overdue rent. In a moment of surrender, Christopher parts with a wallet full of cash before retreating to their room for a bath. He reveals to Tricky that the woman in white, Mrs. Wellington (Francesca Annis), is a divorcee with a net worth of three million dollars. As they fantasize about capitalizing on her wealth, Tricky informs him of Mary Sharon, the billionaire shipping magnate's daughter, who has just turned 21 and will soon inherit a staggering $50 million trust fund. Christopher, now aware of the potential for great riches, admits he might even consider marriage for such an amount.
When Mrs. Wellington requests some seductive poetry over the phone, Christopher indulges in a sultry performance from his bubble bath, sharing a laugh with Tricky afterward. The scene shifts to a lavish party thrown by Mary Sharon’s father, Isaac (Steven Berkoff). The event features extravagant entertainment, including circus animals, as the Jaded Three observers gossip about Isaac's absence. A chaotic entrance from Mary (Kristin Scott Thomas), wrapped in nothing but a sheet, draws all eyes toward her as she unveils her birthday suit to the guests, before showing her musical talent on drums. Christopher tries to woo her but finds her disinterested, leading her to her friends' side. She quickly learns that Tricky and Christopher are not mere party crashers, with her friends critiquing Christopher’s earlier roundabout glances.
As the party progresses, Mary dismisses Tricky’s advances and hurls insults at Christopher, inadvertently sparking jealousy when Mary’s fiancé, Jonathan, calls from New York. Discarding Christopher’s invitation to the Venus de Milo, Mary finds herself entangled again with Mrs. Wellington, who beckons Christopher into her home for a private rendezvous. He is oblivious to Isaac's sudden plans to return that night.
The following morning, Mary confronts Christopher while he plays, having prepared an acerbic retort for their earlier altercation. Mrs. Wellington’s connection with Christopher piques Mary's curiosity, leading to a strange bond between the three. As Mary abandons her friends during the party to engage with Tricky and Christopher, Tricky's gallant demeanor wins her over, but Mary soon returns to Isaac to declare her desire for independence.
With whims of affection, Christopher and Mary steal moments to indulge in their burgeoning relationship. As time passes, Mary realizes the weight of her family’s expectations, particularly the stipulations imposed by Isaac regarding her trust. The realization of her true feelings for Christopher ignites a tumultuous journey both in her heart and over their connections.
In crowded venues and intimate conversations, the bond grows complex. The stakes rise when Isaac learns of the relationship and makes it clear that he will never accept Christopher. The tale unfurls under the dance of love and deception, leading to a chase across the waters of their desires. Tricky, amid the chaos, witnesses Christopher's resolute pursuit and unwavering commitment in the face of adversity, despite knowing the severe consequences that loom over their entangled lives.
As confrontations arise, Christopher's struggle deepens, leading to the ultimate sacrifice in the name of love. Mary's discovery of the truth brings her to a crossroads, leaving behind a world of command that only extends the distance between her and her dreams. In time, memories linger but change ensues, taking both Christopher and Mary through a riveting narrative of passion, loss, and lessons learned about the essence of true love and loyalty.
In the end, life continues for those left behind, and Mary, now wiser, prepares for a new venture while Tricky oversees the affairs of the heart with a bittersweet smile. Though Christopher may be lost, his spirit echoes through the lives he touched, leaving the foundations of their world ready for new beginnings.
