A young singer named Ruth Etting strives to escape her job at a dance hall and make a name for herself as a legitimate performer in the 1920s. Her talent attracts the attention of Marty Snyder, a tough Chicago gangster, who sees potential in her and uses his influence to secure her better singing gigs. Despite his notorious nature and rough demeanor, Marty falls in love with Ruth, and she reluctantly accepts his help. With Marty's relentless support, Ruth's career starts gaining momentum, leading to opportunities on the big stage.

As Ruth's reputation grows, conflicts begin to emerge between her professional aspirations and her personal life controlled by Marty. She battles with her complicated feelings towards Marty, whose possessiveness and volatile behavior increasingly clash with her desire for independence and true love. Meanwhile, Ruth meets Johnny Alderman, a handsome piano player who becomes both a friend and a potential romantic interest. The escalating tension between Marty’s domineering influence and Ruth’s quest for autonomy sets the stage for intense personal and professional struggles.