Summary
Lucien D'Artois, a prosperous French farmer bound by a contractual marriage to Germaine, finds his rustic life abruptly upended when his wife, disdainful of his provincial leanings, abandons him for the allure of Paris. Driven by a desire to reclaim her affection and prove his sophistication, Lucien immerses himself in the city's refined arts, mastering fencing and dance. Yet, these cultivated efforts fail to sway Germaine. He then plunges into a life of extravagant dissipation, conspicuously demonstrating his supposed prowess with women by deliberately seducing the nightclub dancer Fox Trot from the menacing Lazarre. This profligate existence inevitably drains his considerable fortune, leaving him stripped of all possessions save his titular evening attire. Reduced to living by his wits in his now-empty apartment, Lucien clings to the illusion of his former opulence and popularity. It is in this state of profound decline that he unexpectedly finds Germaine, having returned to him.
Synopsis
Wealthy French farmer Lucien D'Artois (Adolphe Menjou) is fond of raising horses and married to Germaine (Virginia Valli), according to the terms of a marriage contract. When she finds his rustic interests unbearable, she leaves him. Determined to become a polished Parisian, Lucien goes to the city and diligently studies fencing and dancing but is unable to gain her favor. He embarks on a life of frivolity and free spending and to demonstrate his powers with women, he deliberately steals nightclub girl Fox Trot (Louise Brooks) from Lazarre (Noah Beery). Eventually Lucien's fortune is drained and everything he owns is seized except a suit of evening clothes. Living by his wits, Lucien imagines himself still a popular, wealthy count and returning to his bare flat. To his surprise, Germaine has returned to him.
