Madeleine, an art student studying in Montreal has fallen in love with her professor, Jacques. One day, he disappears, and, fearing that he left because she was undeserving of his love, Madeleine travels to Venice to kill herself. While preparing to commit suicide, she encounters drug addict Constance, who causes Madeleine to re-think her decision. Meanwhile, Jacques has moved to New York City, where he starts cross-dressing, calls himself Jennifer, and becomes a successful counter-culture talk show host.