A married farmer falls under the spell of a slatternly woman from the city, who tries to convince him to drown his wife.
A small-time hood shoots his way to the top, but how long can he stay there?
Gwynplaine, son of Lord Clancharlie, has a permanent smile carved on his face by the King, in revenge for Gwynplaine's father's treachery. Gwynplaine is adopted by a travelling showman and becomes a popular idol. He falls in love with the blind Dea. The king dies, and his evil jester tries to destroy or corrupt Gwynplaine.
