Missionary Alfred Davidson (Walter Huston) and his wife (Beulah Bondi) sail first class in the South Pacific and have to land on this rainy tropical island. Expecting to stay only an hour or two, there is a delay of two weeks because one of the crew contracts cholera. The religious couple lodges at the “General Store” run by the often drunk but lovable American, Mr. Horn (Guy Kibbee). He is concerned about the Bible-believing “reformers” who want to change the peacefulness of the islanders by telling them they need to be “saved” by God. Another guest, Sadie Thompson (Joan Crawford), also inhabits the lodge. A complete opposite of the self-righteous group, she holds loud parties and dances with sailors on “the Lord’s day.” Sadie is a favorite of the men and it is assumed she is a prostitute. Much tension ensues. Missionary Davidson confronts her, desiring to “save her soul” and bring her out of her “sin and wickedness.”