Writer/director Erich von Stroheim stars as a count that is fraudulent, living high. With extorting huge amounts of money from ridiculous married ladies that are dumb enough to fall because of his charms that are amorous, he supports himself. Von Stroheim's partners in crime, Maud George and counterfeit princesses Mae Busch, live in a country of depravity. Their latest victim, played is the wife of the American financier. Von Stroheim's attempted seduction of the particular foolish wife is thwarted at every turn, and also the count ultimately gets his comeuppance.