Based on the 1920 novel by D.H. Lawrence, the story is an exploration of the relationships, personalities, and philosophies of two men and two women in
the English high society of the early 20th century. Oliver Reed (Gerald Crich) is an industrialist who treats relationships proprietarily. The other gentleman, Alan Bates (Rupert Birkin), is a school inspector who attempts to define love between both opposite and same sex couples. Gudrun Brangwen (Glenda Jackson) is a socialite who uses amorous relationships to her own advantage, while her sister, Ursula (Jennie Linden), sees love as pure and simple, a permanent bond. The film is crafted with care and attention to the visual details of the period, and the screenplay has been lauded as one of the best literary adaptations to the big screen. Although Jackson's galvanizing performance is nearly overshadowed by a lurid nude wrestling scene between Bates and Reed, it won her an Academy Award in 1971.

A respectful literary adaptation that draws on Lawrence's other works as well, WOMEN IN LOVE is a period masterpiece. In 1989 its prequel, THE RAINBOW, also based on a Lawrence novel, appeared.