Man of the World (1931)

Michael Wagstag, a blackmailer, and his accomplice, Irene, target wealthy Americans visiting Paris. They set their sights on Mary Kendall, an American debutante, but as the weeks go by, Wagstag finds himself falling in love with her. Despite his initial intentions to extort her for money, he ultimately decides to change his ways and be with her.

Wagstag confesses his past to Mary, but when he attempts to break with Irene, she threatens to call the police. Irene tries fo convince him that he will never be free of the past. Persuaded that a life with Mary is impossible, Wagstag is encouraged by Irene to demand $10,000 from Harold Taylor, Mary’s uncle. Taylor pays the money while Mary, thinking Wagstag dishonest, sails home with her fiance, Frank Thompson. Wagstag and Irene take passage on a tramp steamer bound for South Africa. On board ship, Wagstag tears up Taylor’s check.