Writer/director Erich von Stroheim stars as a count, living high. From extorting massive sums of money from ridiculous married ladies who are dumb enough to fall because of his charms that are amorous, he supports himself. Von Stroheim's partners in crime, phony princesses Mae Busch and Maud George, are now living with the count in a massive mansion in a country of depravity. Their victim, played is the wife of an American financier. Von Stroheim's tried charm of this distinct wife is thwarted at every turn, and also the count ultimately gets his comeuppance.