Osirotela mlada ženska (Robin Wright) skuša pozabiti na težavno otroštvo in svoje poznejše izkušnje prostitutke. Zgodovinsko dramo, ki se v 18. stoletju odvija v Londonu, je bežno navdihnil klasični roman Daniela Defoeja. Moll (Robin Wright), mlado hčer razvpite tatice, po usmrtitvi njene matere pošljejo v rejo v samostan redovnic, vendar se najstnica upre nasilju in nadlegovanju božjega moža ter od tam pobegne na nevarne londonske ulice. Slabe izkušnje in nesreča jo vodijo v življenje prostitutke v javni hiši zvijačne madame Allworthy (Stockard Channing). Moll tam prvič sreča prijaznega temnopoltega gospoda Hibbla (Morgan Freeman), služabnika gospe Allworthy, ki ga skrbi za dobro mlade ženske. Z njegovo pomočjo obudi upe o boljši prihodnosti in se zaljubi v nenavadnega umetnika (John Lynch), v katerem vidi morebitno srečo v ljubezni.
The daughter of a thief, young Moll is placed in the care of a nunnery after the execution of her mother. However, the actions of an abusive priest lead Moll to rebel as a teenager, escaping to the dangerous streets of London. Further misfortunes drive her to accept a job as a prostitute from the conniving Mrs. Allworthy. It is there that Moll first meets Hibble, who is working as Allworthy's servant but takes a special interest in the young woman's well-being. With his help, she retains hope for the future, ultimately falling in love with an unconventional artist who promises the possibility of romantic happiness.