Rita Wilson meets epidemiologist Chris Claybourne and they fall in love with each other. When Claybourne leaves for the tropics to find a cure against a disease, Wilson gets her revenge by marrying Claybourne's brother although she still loves Chris.—Mattias Thuresson

Chris Claybourne is following in his father's footsteps in epidemiology, he scheduled to go on his first research trip for two years with his mentor, Professor Fahrenheim, to the jungles of South America to discover the cause and thus cure for spotted fever, which is decimating the miner population there. Chris is given a few week break to have his fun before he goes. On the same night, two things happen that will change his perspective: he gets into a $5,000 gambling debt to a gangster nicknamed Fish-Eye, money Chris does not have; and he meets and falls for a model named Rita Wilson, the feelings which are mutual in return. As such, Chris contemplates not going on the research trip so that he and Rita can be together. However, he has to get his straight-laced brother Tom, a physician, involved to deal with the debt. This brings into conflict Chris' commitment to his work and Professor Fahrenheim against his love for Rita, and begins a complicated relationship between Chris, Rita and Tom, Rita who may have her own thoughts as to how to handle the situation regardless or in light of what Chris and Tom decide.—Huggo