The story focuses on Diana Scott (Julie Christie, Don't Look Now, McCabe and Mrs Miller), an ambitious young woman determined to climb the social ladder at any cost. From her humble beginnings as a model to fame and fortune as a high-profile television actress and socialite, Diana's life in complicated by entanglements with various men, including a television journalist (Dirk Bogarde, The Night Porter) a manipulative advertising executive (Laurence Harvey, The Manchurian Candidate) and a wealthy Italian prince (José Luis de Vilallonga Breakfast at Tiffany's). While these relationships help advance her career and status they ultimately lead to personal turmoil and a sense of emptiness.