Men in Her Life

Beautiful New York socialite Julia Cavanaugh has been traveling through Europe in search of the perfect romance. During her stay in Paris, Julia becames enamoured of a Russian count, Ivan Karloff, and follows him to an inn in the small town of St. Valery. Unknown to Julia, Karloff intends to marry her for her money, and upon discovering that her trust fund has been bankrupted, steals her remaining money and jewels. Julia is distraught when she learns that Karloff has robbed and deserted her, and is about to be evicted from the inn when she is saved by the arrival of fellow New Yorker "Flash" Madden. Flash, who developed a crush on Julia while following her adventures in the society columns, pays her bill and offers to take her to Paris, where she has friends. Flash explains that he gave up his profitable bootlegging business in order to pursue his ambition of entering society, and during their ride to Paris, he asks Julia to teach him how to be a gentleman. Although she is uncertain of the outcome, Julia accepts Flash's job offer and their first test comes when they are invited to accompany Dick Webster, the son of a senator and an old friend of Julia, to dine with the socially prominent Mulholland family. Flash struggles through the evening and surprises both Julia and himself with his success at dancing and conversation. As time passes, Flash and Julia enjoy each other's company, and he begins to profit from her instructions. One afternoon, Dick, who has loved Julia since childhood, presses her to marry him. Julia is reluctant to accept, as Dick is not the strong and dependable man she has dreamed of, but he persuades her to accept and leave for New York immediately. Just after Dick departs, Flash arrives, determined to propose to Julia himself. Too embarrassed to ask her directly, Flash asks Julia for advice about a woman he loves, and when he recites his "spiel," Julia confesses that it is much nicer than that of the man she just accepted. Although Flash is devastated, he does not reveal his true feelings and instead wishes Julia good luck. After they return to New York, Flash brings Julia a wedding present of exquiste silverware. They are interrupted by the arrival of Karloff, and Flash paces outside as Karloff threatens to publish Julia's letters to him, as well as a torrid account of their night in St. Valery, if she does not pay him $25,000. Although Julia does not reveal the nature of Karloff's threats to Flash, he guesses the truth and goes to Karloff's hotel the next day. As their encounter grows more heated, Karloff pulls a gun on Flash and is killed in the ensuing struggle. Flash telephones Julia and informs her that he has destroyed the letters, and later, continues to protect her by refusing to offer any defense for his action when he is arrested for Karloff's murder. Desperate to help Flash, Julia discusses the case with his lawyer, Bill Blake, who warns her that Flash will be convicted and sentenced to die unless he talks. Julia reveals that Flash killed Karloff to protect her, but Flash insists that Julia not be allowed to testify, as her testimony might jeopardize her upcoming marriage. Despite Flash's protests, Julia testifies at his trial. The district attorney viciously attacks Julia and makes her confess her illicit relationship with Karloff, and although she maintains that she was convinced of Karloff's intention to marry her, Dick is mortified by her revelation and stalks out of the courtroom. Later, after Flash's acquittal, he visits Julia and offers to talk to Dick and repair their broken engagement. Julia replies that she does not want Dick back, and, finally realizing that she is in love with Flash, asks him for advice about a man. Proclaiming that he is the "first real gentleman I ever knew," Julia makes clear that she is referring to Flash, and he happily embraces her.