Marjorie Morningstar is eighteen and very beautiful, an innocent young heart eager to explore the excitement of a career in the theater. She leaves her family and fiance for a season of summer stock at an east coast resort, where she meets and falls in love with a handsome but worldly producer, Noel Airman. Immediately attracted to her, he sweeps Marjorie off her feet and into a once-in-a-lifetime love affair. She follows Noel to Broadway, where he tries unsuccessfully to make the jump to the world of professional theatre. She remains infatuated with his charm and blind to his faults... until he teaches Marjorie her first lesson about theatre and love. Comedy or tragedy, romance or drama - there's always a closing act.