Shortly after being demobilized, Georges Duroy becomes aware of his power over women in the arms of Rachel, a young singer. Thanks to his good looks and his charming manners and his unabashed cynicism he will rapidly rise to the top by courtesy of women women (Mme Walter, Clotilde, Madeleine), from journalist to member of Parliament to cabinet minister. But it is also the fair sex that will cause his fall in the end.

Bel Ami ist eine von Willi Forst 1938 mit sich selbst in der Haupt- bzw. Titelrolle inszenierte Verfilmung des Romans Bel-Ami von Guy de Maupassant.