Mr. Earnshaw, father of Cate and Hendrix, lives in a reconverted lighthouse which he has christened Wuthering Heights. One day, Earnshaw brings home an abandoned child named Heath, whom he semi-adopts, much to the dismay of Hendrix, but to the delight of Cate. Upon reaching adulthood, Heath declares his love for Cate, but they are kept separated by the envious Hendrix and by the covetous Cate's intention to opt for wealth and security by wedding preppy snob Edward. The spurned Heath decides to get even with Cate by entering into a marriage with Edward's sister, Isabel.