A sensual European countess arrives at a small American town and quickly provokes moral outrage from the community. During her stay with a cousin, the temptress courts scandal smoking, enticing men, extravagant clothes and a tattoo.

A sensual European countess arrives at a small American town where she quickly provokes moral outrage from the community. Upon arriving, even before she steps out of her taxi a district attorney informs her that loose women aren't welcome here. Donning a cigarette holder she explains with a seductive smile that she comes from Italy and asks for directions to her cousins château. The femme fatales exploits include drinking, smoking in public, enticing men, wearing extravagant garments and boasting a tattoo of a skull on her forearm.—norma-desmond