Stanford White is one of New York's most famous architects, having designed many mansions and the first Madison Square Garden. As he became popular and in demand, he also became quite self-indulgent. He had a taste for young showgirls on Broadway, even setting up a private apartment to entertain them in, including a room with a red velvet swing. When he meets Evelyn Nesbit, an exquisite young nymph, cover girl, showgirl, he knows he's on to something special. However, Evelyn eventually marries a young Pittsburgh decadent heir with a dark side who develops a deep hatred for White and what he may or may not have done to her, setting up the most scandalous murder of the time