Ballroom dancing frees Michael Renard from his insecurities in social and academic situations. He marries Alice, a pretty librarian searching for a better life. Their marriage is soon interrupted by the drums of World War I. Michael joins the Royal Artillery initially becoming a sergeant. Meanwhile, Alice is swept off her feet by a handsome debonair man pretending to be upper class, a toff. A promotion to officer permits Michael home leave. He discovers the situation and exposes the sham toff's dirty secrets. What follows is a dance of death, on the battlefield and at Michael and Alice's London cottage.