Linda Shoup (mid-thirties), a receptionist, and Albert Hives (mid-thirties), a CPA: two New York singles who have just met who feel they have been held back by the city. We follow them as they try to make a go of it in Davenport, Iowa; Los Angeles; and then, no longer together, meeting back in New York. While Linda turns out to be a dynamo with killer instincts, even becoming a major player in the movie business, poor Albert finds himself falling further and further down the ladder of success. Although his love for Linda is overwhelming, Albert slowly comes to realize he is no match for her.