After the horror of the Civil War, 'ignorant' Christopher Newman made his fortune. He travels to France is search of cultural treasures. He won't get past the Paris nightlife. After an affair with a haughty painter, he falls in love with the daughter of the late marquis de Bellegarde. She was married off and traumatized by her abusive late husband for the family's sake. Her elder brother supports their ruthless mother, but junior Valentin is besotted with the artist and strikes a partnership with Christopher.
Matthew Modine
as Christopher Newman
Diana Rigg
as Madame de Bellegarde
Aisling O'Sullivan
as Claire De Cintré
Paul Hickey
as Henri de Bellegarde
Andrew Scott
as Valentin de Bellegarde
Brenda Fricker
as Mrs. Bread
Eva Birthistle
as Noemie Nioche
