Richard Wanley, a psychology professor, becomes captivated by a portrait of a beautiful woman displayed in a shop window. One evening, after his wife and children leave for a vacation, his curiosity leads him to meet the real-life model, Alice Reed. They strike up a conversation and she invites him to her apartment for drinks. Their encounter takes a dark turn when Alice's jealous lover barges in, and in the ensuing struggle, Richard unintentionally kills him in self-defense.

As they contemplate their dire predicament, Richard and Alice decide to cover up the crime and dispose of the body. However, complications arise when the police begin investigating the lover’s disappearance. The investigation is led by Richard’s friend, District Attorney Frank Lalor, creating an uneasy tension as Richard tries to navigate his professional life while avoiding suspicion. The psychological strain of living with his secret weighs heavily on him, leading to a series of suspenseful and morally complex situations.