"An actor is a narcissist but a director is a megalomaniac," is Hugh Phillips's reaction to his son's desire to direct plays rather than go into the family legal business. But Julian will not be deterred; after four years of college, the young graduate affects an air of arrogance and ambition. But under this mask is an insecure, romantic boy whose charm and good looks lead to destructive affairs with women and men. There is the adoring and naïve housemaid; an unhinged "theater groupie"; an ingenuous Southern belle; and an older woman whose involvement with Julian threatens to become an unbearable scandal. When Julian has gone too far, who will stand beside him?