Ladies of Leisure 1930

Aspiring artist Jerry Strong, the son of a wealthy railroad tycoon, sneaks out of a party he let his friend Bill Standish host at his New York City penthouse and studio. While cruising the countryside, Jerry crosses paths with the self-described “party girl” Kay Arnold, who is escaping another party aboard a yacht, and he offers her a ride back to the city. He sees something in her and asks her to be his model for a painting titled “Hope”. In their first session, Jerry wipes away her makeup to reveal her true nature, and the moment sharpens his artistic focus. Standish, a perpetual partygoer and known drinker, thinks Kay looks perfect as she is and even invites her on a cruise to Havana, which she declines.

As they get to know each other, Kay falls in love with Jerry and begins to regret the tawdry past she’s trying to leave behind. Her growing emotion shows in her expression, and she finally achieves a pose that deeply moves Jerry. He paints late into the night and, moved by the moment, offers to let her sleep on his couch.

The next morning, John Strong arrives with a hard demand: he wants Jerry to dismiss Kay and marry his longtime fiancée Claire Collins. John has learned about Kay’s checkered background, and Kay does not deny the facts. When Jerry refuses to yield, his father cuts off all contact with him. Kay chooses to quit the arrangement for Jerry’s sake, forcing him to admit that he loves her. She suggests they run away to Arizona.

Jerry’s mother visits Kay and, despite Kay’s sincere declaration of love, begs her to give up her son for his own good. Overwhelmed, Kay tearfully agrees and plans to go to Havana with Standish. Her roommate and close friend, Dot Lamarr, races to warn Jerry, but by the time she reaches him, the ship has already sailed. Despondent, Kay attempts suicide by leaping into the water, only to awaken later in a hospital where Jerry waits by her bedside.