Jane Foster, the former wife of a criminal, moves to a coastal town and takes over the running of a bar known as The Quiet Woman. Initially she's outraged when she learns that the previous owner had allowed an amiable local artist and part-time smuggler, Duncan McLeod to use the inn as a base. In spite of her resentment she becomes romantically involved with him. Problems arise when McLeod's old flame arrives on the scene. Jealous of Jane she taunts her about her past, and threatens to expose her.