Career

Franciosa is a young actor looking for his big break on Broadway. He joins a small theater group directed by Martin and marries his hometown sweetheart, supporting himself by waiting tables. His wife eventually leaves him. Martin becomes an important director, but he is reluctant to risk his reputation by putting an unknown like Franciosa in a show. Franciosa retaliates by beginning an affair with and eventually marrying MacLaine, Martin's alcoholic girl friend. She later asks Franciosa for a divorce so she can marry Martin and Franciosa agrees, on the condition that Martin give him the lead in the next show. Martin agrees but gives the lead to a Hollywood star. Fr...