Set during the 1700s, the film centers on the life and murder of Okichi (Kanako Higuchi), the bored wife of a wealthy Osaka oil merchant. Yohei (Shin'ichi Tsutsumi) is a hunky young man who is the son of Okichi's husband's former partner. As a child, Okichi cared for and even nursed the boy, but when Yohei's father died, he went to live elsewhere. On his return as a man, Okichi is immediately infatuated with the lad and schemes to get rid of competition for his heart -- namely the beautiful daughter of a rival oil dealer (Miwako Fujitani). When her husband hears of her behavior, trouble ensues.