From the time of their meeting in 1912, Jules and Jim share a close friendship. Shortly before the First World War, Jules marries Catherine, a wilful young woman the two men have befriended, but, after the war has ended, his relationship with her deteriorates rapidly. When Jim comes to stay with the couple, he begins a relationship of his own with Catherine, having been urged to do so by Jules, who hopes that if his wife is involved with his friend she will not leave him.