Mitch Wayne is a geologist who works for the Hadleys, a wealthy oil-producing family in Texas. In addition to working tirelessly to create the family business, his irresponsible son, Kyle, is a troubled alcoholic playboy, and his daughter, Marylee is a tramp in their little community. The fact that Mitch maintains a secret affection for Kyle's dissatisfied wife, Lucy, exposes him to Marylee, who falsely accuses him of the murder of Kyle's wife, Lucy.