Based on the novel of Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser. A farm girl follows her dreams to turn-of-the-century Chicago, hoping for a better life and some adventure. Her glorious dreams of the big city quickly die, for all that awaits her there is a bleak life of grueling and poorly-paid factory work... until Drouet, a traveling salesman, comes her way. Breaking all the rules of morality at the time, Carrie moves in with Drouet without being married. At first she's content, but when Drouet introduces her to the elegant, wealthy and married Hurstwood, who manages a restaurant, Carrie turns to this new man. Hurstwood returns her affections, and one day, on impulse, he steals the money from his restaurant's safe. He and Carrie flee to New York to avoid arrest - but the consequences of that decision will alter both their lives...