From the moment she glimpses her idol at the stage door, Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter) moves relentlessly towards her goal, taking the reins of power from the great actress Margo Channing (Bette Davis). The cunning Eve manoeuvres her way into Margos Broadway role, becomes a sensation and even causes turmoil in the lives of Margos director boyfriend, her playwright and his wife. Only the cynical drama critic sees through Eve, admiring her audacity and perfect pattern of deceit.