Val Stanton (Rosalind Russell) is a famous "light" actress who yearns to play a dramatic role. Her jealous producer (Leon Ames), however, tries to blackmail her into staying with him, and in a fit of anguish, she accidentally kills him. But Val has committed the "perfect" murder -- a fellow actress (Claire Trevor) is suspected of the crime! When the detective (Sydney Greenstreet) closes the case, Val tries to enjoy her newfound freedom in her career and her love, but she is too haunted by guilt.