Mitch Wayne is a geologist working for the Hadleys, an oil-rich Texas family. While the patriarch, Jared, works hard to establish the family business, his irresponsible son, Kyle, is an alcoholic playboy, and his daughter, Marylee, is the town tramp. Mitch harbours a secret love for Kyle's unsatisfied wife, Lucy - a fact that leaves him exposed when the jealous Marylee accuses him of murder.