For almost two decades Francey Sullivan has fantasized about his absent actor-father. Having met him only once, he remembers George Gallaher as imposing and exotic. But when he finds him at last Francey discovers a great deal more than he bargained for.
George, still charming and opportunistic, has just buried his rich American wife, Jool. Present at the post-funeral gathering are Francey's half-brother, the watchful, chameleon-like Colin Mannering, and his mysterious wife, Fleur. Francey immediately falls in love with her, but nothing prepares him for the shock that Jool has devised from beyond the grave . . .
