The Beautiful and Damned Summary

In the early 1900s, a well-to-do young man named Anthony Patch, who prides himself on his Harvard degree and substantial inheritance, leads a life of leisure in New York City, owing to his affluent lineage. Notably, he is the sole heir of the enormously wealthy and influential moral reformer Adam J. Patch, who disapproves of Anthony's idle lifestyle. Anthony surrounds himself with a circle of high society acquaintances, including his Harvard peers Maury Noble and Richard Caramel, the latter of whom introduces him to his stunning cousin, Gloria Gilbert, a scandal-ridden socialite. Anthony becomes infatuated with Gloria, viewing her as an embodiment of his own hedonistic ideals. Despite Gloria's uncommitted attitude towards him, his infatuation leads to a proposal, which she accepts.

The couple indulges in a grand wedding ceremony held at Anthony's grandfather's mansion, followed by a seemingly endless round of parties stretching from New York to California. They anticipate a significant portion of Adam J. Patch's wealth after his demise, which they believe will sustain their extravagant lifestyle. However, their financial situation takes a downturn with the outbreak of the war in Europe, as their peers' economic status improves. Richard's novel garners success, Maury lands an esteemed job, and their rival, film producer Joseph Bloeckman's films gain popularity. As their funds dwindle, Anthony and Gloria's lifestyle leads them to relocate to smaller accommodations, and they increasingly rely on alcohol to cope.

Their financial woes intensify when Anthony's grandfather dies, leaving Anthony out of his will. The couple files a lawsuit against the will, which becomes a source of constant bickering between them. Amidst these upheavals, Anthony is drafted into the army during World War I, leading to an affair with a young woman named Dot Raycroft. Meanwhile, Gloria remains in New York, tracking their lawsuit progress and resorting to alcohol. After the war, the couple tries to rekindle their relationship, but their efforts are thwarted by their worsening financial situation. Gloria fails an audition for a film, symbolizing her fading youth and beauty. Just as they reach a point of severe degradation, the lawsuit over the inheritance is resolved in Anthony's favor, making him a multimillionaire. However, the victory comes at the cost of Anthony's mental breakdown, with Gloria and him leading a shadow of their former luxurious life.