Down-and-out writer Henry Chinaskispends his nights drinking and picking brawls at a dingy Los Angeles watering hole. One night Henry spies a kindred spirit in pretty barfly Wanda and, despite warning signs that she may be unfaithful, shacks up with the woman. When Henry’s fears are confirmed by Wanda’s infidelity with bartender Eddie, he begins an affair of his own with wealthy publisher Tully Sorenson