In the Comet Theatre, London, several people have good reason for wanting beautiful Maxine Culver out of the way: Grace Challoner, leading lady, & her politician husband, Philip Dunster; Stephen Hammond, Maxine's leading man; Ethel Fothergill, the character actress; & old Tom Langley, stage director. Although they all fear Maxine's blackmail, Doctor David Radcliffe has more to lose than any of them. His first play is being produced at the Comet, & he has fallen in love with fledgling actress Susan Howard. Whose shadow is it that lurks in the wings, waiting to silence Maxine once & for all?