Woman Hater

Lord Datchett arrives in London and is outraged when Colette Marly takes the table he wanted at a restaurant. He rails against her publicity-seeking persona and proclaims that if left alone, she would chase any man she met. This kicks off his plan to test his belief with a 'scientific' experiment.

After being challenged by a man at his club, Datchett decides to invite Marly to stay at his country house. He intends to stage an experiment to prove his theory about women's vanity. The plan hinges on keeping up a deception and observing Marly's reactions.

Marly, worn by agents and autograph seekers, accepts Datchett's invitation hoping for some quiet away from publicity. She travels to his country house with her maid Clair, seeking respite rather than romance. The deception about identities begins as Datchett's staff prepare to maintain the ruse.

Datchett, posing as estate manager Henry Dodds, greets Marly and continues the pretense with his staff. Marly's arrival marks the start of their tentative, uneasy relationship under false identities. The household is fully in on the deception.

Datchett and Marly go riding together and begin to thaw toward one another as they share conversation and humor. The close proximity and shared activity lay the groundwork for a growing trust. The experiment begins to blur with genuine curiosity.

Datchett contrives a situation that locks them in a cellar for hours, and they become intoxicated on brandy. The ordeal breaks down barriers and deepens the developing affection between them. The boundary between game and feeling becomes increasingly murky.

Clair's flirtations with Jameson and Patrick stir jealousy and rivalries among the staff, complicating the experiment. The inter staff dynamics threaten to derail the deception. Datchett's control over the situation begins to feel precarious as feelings surface elsewhere.

Reverend Meadows arrives with a christening party, and Marly accidentally uncovers Datchett's true identity. Her initial anger gives way to a decision to play along, aiming to teach him a lesson. The situation grows more intricate as both sides weigh their next move.

On a boating excursion, Marly pretends to be in distress to lure a rescue, but Datchett is knocked unconscious and she ends up rescuing him—making him believe he saved her. This role reversal deepens their emotional bond. The line between performance and genuine feeling continues to blur.

Datchett's elderly mother arrives and is brought into the ploy as part of the deception, though her efforts are not very successful. The family dynamic adds another layer to the manipulation. Datchett struggles to keep the ruse coherent under pressure.

Datchett admits he is in love with Marly; she then reveals that she knows who he really is and what she has done. He leaves crestfallen, while she realizes she loves him too. The dynamic shifts from game to genuine emotion as honesty starts to override deception.

At Clair's suggestion, Marly stages a second drowning. Datchett, about to return to London after the experiment's apparent failure, hears Marly's cries and goes to rescue her. Once again she rescues him, and on the bank they confess their mutual love and embrace.