Albert is a distinguished art dealer living in New York City. One day by chance, he visits a photo exhibit titled "Bistrot de Paris" by Carol Labronsky. In an old photo of two young lovers kissing while seated at a Bistro, Albert recognizes his first love, Rose, the girl he fell madly in love with during his stay in Paris in 1959, and had disappeared after leaving him. In that photograph Rose is wearing a sweater which Albert gave her, proof that the photo was taken after she had met him. Tormented by memories, AIbert feels a burning need to find out whet became of her.

Newly released from prison, Jack searches in vengeance for the girl who put him there.

Thomas Hardy's classic epic remains one of the most popular novels, this TV adaptation vividly depicts the powerful tale of a peasant girl whose life is torn apart by the love and jealousy of two men. Justine Waddell stars as the hapless Child of Nature who is tossed around by the dark forces of fate. Jason Flemyng is the dark and sinister Alec D'Urberville whose relentless pursuit of Tess triggers the heroine's downfall. Oliver Milburn plays the handsome young Angel Clare, the caring rebel who falls deeply in love with Tess.