Duchin is a talented pianist and bandleader who sets New York society on its ear in the 1930s and 1940s. Duchin arrives in Manhattan dreaming only of a 'red Stutz Bearcat and a bankroll as big as the Ritz.' He goes on to steal the heart of society girl Marjorie Oelrichs, who teaches him that love, not money, brings happiness. But then tragedy happens, it leaves Duchin alone with a newborn son and no will to live.