Humber Humbert (Jeremy Irons) is working as a professor of French literature when he travels to a small New England town to take a up teaching post. Whilst searching for lodging he visits the home a single mother Charlotte, and her 14 year old daughter Dolores (Lolita). Upon seeing Dolores, Humbert is immediately smitten, but knowing his desire is forbidden, he marries the clueless Charlotte in order to stay close to her daughter.