B.F.’s Daughter 1948

Polly's engagement to Bob Tasmin

Polly Fulton is involved in a long engagement to Bob Tasmin, a steady and scrupulously honest lawyer who is seen as B.F. Fulton's family friend. The arrangement reflects Polly's privileged life and the security her upbringing offers. The relationship lacks the spark of romance, at least on Polly's side, as she awaits a future with Bob.

Polly meets Tom Brett and the spark

Polly meets brash intellectual Tom Brett, who blames many of the world's problems on the rich. At first they dislike each other, but Polly finds him exciting compared to the polite, dutiful Bob. Their animosity gradually turns to fascination as they challenge each other's views.

Polly and Tom marry

Polly and Tom fall passionately in love and decide to marry, defying the expectations of Polly's social circle and making a break from the safe path laid out for her. Their wedding marks a shift from cautious romance to a volatile, intense partnership. The marriage places Polly at odds with her family as Tom's views clash with theirs.

Tom's tense relationship with Polly's family

Tom quickly realizes that Polly's family intends to use their connections to advance his career, a realization that breeds bitterness rather than gratitude. The tension between Tom and B.F. Fulton and the rest of Polly's circle colors their everyday life. Polly is caught between her loyalty to her husband and her obligations to her father.

World War II begins; Tom joins Washington

When World War II arrives, Tom takes a high-level civilian position in Washington and begins work that he cannot discuss. The top-secret nature of his role strains his connection with Polly and complicates their marriage. The couple increasingly lives separate lives as the war consumes their daily existence.

Separated by distance and duty

Polly and Tom begin to lead separate lives as responsibilities and the distance of wartime duties pull them apart. They rarely see each other and cling to what remains of their fragile relationship, even as their ideals pull them in different directions. Their marriage is tested by the demands of the era and the secrets that accompany Tom's position.

Rumor of Tom's affair reaches Polly

Polly hears a rumor that Tom is having an affair, a suspicion that sows doubt and jealousy in her heart. The revelation strains trust between the couple and forces Polly to question the strength of their bond. The rumor becomes a catalyst that puts their relationship under the microscope.

News of Bob Tasmin's apparent death

Polly is stunned by a news report that Bob Tasmin, now a dashing military officer and Polly's best friend's husband, has apparently been killed on a mission behind enemy lines. The possibility of losing Bob compounds Polly's sense of upheaval and forces her to confront her feelings for Tom. The event also strains her loyalty to her late fiancé's memory.

Truth about the rumor and Bob's fate is revealed

As the truth about both the rumored affair and Bob Tasmin's fate comes to light, Polly and Tom must reassess the legitimacy of their suspicions. The exposure shifts the balance of power in their relationship and clears or complicates misunderstandings that have festered during the war. Their previously hidden conflicts rise to the surface.

Polly and Tom confront their problems

Polly and Tom confront their own problems and work toward understanding what they mean to each other. They face the consequences of choices made in the heat of war, love, and conflicting loyalties. The confrontation leads to a clearer sense of commitment and a redefinition of their marriage.

Polly torn between husband and father

Throughout the escalating tensions, Polly remains torn between her steadfast husband and her devoted father, B.F., reflecting the enduring pull of family loyalties. The film portrays her struggle to balance love, duty, and affection across two generations. This inner conflict fuels the emotional stakes of their wartime lives.