Philip Carey (Leslie Howard), a club-footed medical student, falls for a pretty waitress Mildred Rogers (Bette Davis). To Philip's dismay Mildred does not return his affection, instead she suffers his attentions, while treating him with contempt. As desire leads to infatuation, Philip, ever the gentleman, finds himself on the receiving end of her lies and mockery, but finds it impossible to kick her out of his life. As Mildred's cruel and uncompassionate personality drags her inevitably into find out more...