Gritzko (John Gilbert) is a Russian nobleman, and Tamara (Aileen Pringle) is the object of his desire. After a series of misunderstandings and much drama, they fall in love.
Tamara Loraine, a beautiful young Englishwoman, is attracted to Russian Prince Gritzko, who is famed for his many romantic affairs, when she meets him in Egypt and again in Russia. Gritzko is attentive, but Tamara remains distant so as not to be numbered among his conquests. When Gritzko wins a duel and the right to accompany Tamara to a ball, she decides to return to England. On their way to the ship during a snowstorm, Gritzko maneuvers Tamara to his lodge for shelter, and she resists his advances until she collapses from exhaustion. Gritzko then leaves her alone, but in the morning Tamara finds her waist opened (Gritzko wanted to know if her heart was beating) and believes that honor dictates that she marry him. After the ceremony, the prince offers to go away until sent for, but Tamara realizes their mutual, sincere love and bids him stay.—AFI
Tamara Loraine, a pretty young English widow, is traveling through Egypt. She casually meets Gritzko Milaslavski, a Russian prince. Gritzko is immediately taken with Tamara, but she initially rebukes his advances. The two are formally introduced at the Khedive's ball, given for the titled visitors from Russia. Tamara is attracted by Gritzko's magnetic personality. But she still resents his daring impertinence. The pair next meet in St. Petersburg, where Tamara is visiting her Russian godmother, the Princess Ardacheff. Gritzko is one of the Princess' closest friends. Completely attracted to Tamara, Gritzko tells her his hour will come, although her aloofness is discouraging. Tamara almost confesses her love for the young prince during the visit. Meanwhile, Count Boris Varishkine, another friend of the Princess, falls for Tamara. Gritzko becomes jealous. Eager to arouse Tamara's jealousy, Gritzko becomes attentive to Tatiane Shebanoff, a longtime admirer of his. Tamara misunderstands this ploy as an attempt to humiliate her. Gritzko and Boris fight a duel to decide who will dance with Tamara at the court ball, and Boris is wounded. Tamara is so upset with the situation that she begs her godmother to allow her to return to England. However, the Princess instead suggests she take a party to Moscow, without Gritzko. Gritzko hears of the plan and boards the same train. The Princess has always hoped that Tamara and Gritzko would find love with each other, so she continues to give parties and social affairs in Moscow which bring the young lovers together. One night, Gritzko kidnaps Tamara while driving her home from a ball. He takes her to his cabin, where he attempts to make love to her. Tamara takes his pistol and holds him at bay. But then she faints from exhaustion. When she regains consciousness, Gritzko tells her "Madame, I ask you graciously to accord me the honor of your hand in marriage." Tamara feels she has no choice but to accept his proposal, so the wedding takes place. Then Gritzko tells her he will release her if she desires. Tamara then realizes she loves him and the two find happiness together.