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, he deliberately steals nightclub girl Fox Trot (Louise Brooks) from Lazarre (Noah Beery). Eventually Lucien's fortune is drained and everything he owns is seized except a suit of evening clothes. Living by his wits, Lucien imagines himself still a popular, wealthy count and returning to his bare flat. To his surprise, Germaine has returned to him.