The American

Christopher Newman, an earnest American businessman, embarks on his first European tour in search of a life beyond the stark realities of 19th-century America. His journey unfolds as a blend of social comedy and melodrama, revealing both the allure and the harshness of European society. Central to the narrative is Newman's courtship of a young widow from an aristocratic family, highlighting themes of love, class, and cultural differences as he navigates the complexities of romance and societal expectations.