bette appear a a spoiled young southern beauty who like to play with men to tickle her ego . but a the trauma of a yellow fever epidemic sweep through 1852 new orleans and she find that play with men can be deadly . henry fonda play a rather priggish young banker who finally run out of patience with his wayward fiancée . his high ideal be set boldly against bette rebellious act of wear a vile crimson dress to the memphis ball . young lady always wear virginal white until marriage and bette be tell and to which she nearly reply a la scarlett ohara represent fiddle dee dee . gorgeous gown and great acting and full stop melodramatic fun .