Plot Summary

In 1953, William Barrington-Coupe - known as Barrie - spots concert pianist Joyce Hatto and recognizes her talent. They marry and Barrie becomes Joyce's agent. Joyce makes several records, which achieve some popularity, though stage fright restricts the success of her concert tours. Barrie, still a wheeler-dealer, serves a short prison term for tax evasion. Joyce's career is curtailed by cancer, but many years later, Barrie discovers that there is some interest in her old recordings, which are selling well online. This gives Barrie an idea for a new scam; he will pass off recordings made by other pianists as Joyce's work. Although initially shocked, Joyce goes along with him and is pleased when the critics are fooled. However, there is one suspicious critic. Joyce dies before their deception is exposed. Barry maintains that she knew nothing of the fraud.