Immediately after Lisa (Loren) declares that she is leaving her immature, abusive, but easy-going husband Robert (Perkins), he is reported dead in a plane crash. Secretly still alive, he convinces her to collect his life insurance, although she knows that it’s a bad idea. Lisa must contend with the complications of the scheme, which involve an aggressive suitor (Young), Robert’s jealousy, and her own guilt.

An unassuming office worker is arrested and stands trial, but he is never made aware of his charges.

Tom Ripley is a talented mimic, moocher, forger and all-around criminal improviser; but there’s more to Tom Ripley than even he can guess.