Vantine, a prostitute on the run from Saigon authorities, is vulnerable yet tough. From the first moment she takes refuge on the plantation run by Carson, he sizes her up as an easy mark for his virile charm. But when a research engineer and his elegant wife Barbara appear on the scene, Carson falls hard for the beautiful Barbara, discarding Vantine as nothing more than a cute little trick. The steamy rivalry between the women soon boils into a jealous rage - with violent consequences.