Wealthy French farmer Lucien D'Artois (Adolphe Menjou), is fond of raising horses and married to Germaine (Virginia Valli), according to the terms of a marriage contract. When she finds his rustic interests unbearable, she leaves him. Determined to become a polished Parisian, Lucien goes to the city and diligently studies fencing and dancing but is unable to gain her favor. He embarks on a life of frivolity and free spending and to demonstrate his powers with women deliberately steals Fox Trot (Louise Brooks), a nightclub girl, from Lazarre (Noah Beery). Eventually Lucien's fortune is drained, his entire possessions are seized, with the exception of a suit of evening clothes. Living by his wits, Lucien imagines himself still a popular and wealthy count, and returning to his bare flat, to his surprise, Germaine has returned to him.