Dublin, 1907. A young actress begins an affair with an older man. Outspoken and flirtatious, Molly Allgood is a Catholic girl from the slums of Dublin, dreaming of stardom in America. Her lover, John Synge, is a troubled genius. Their affair, sternly opposed by friends and family, is quarrelsome, affectionate and tender.

Many years later, Molly, makes her way through London's bomb-scarred streets. Her once dazzling career has faded but her unquenchable passion for life has kept her afloat.