Paul Steward, editor of a scientific journal, considers his life to be an empty failure. Awake one morning after a sleepless night, he comes to a decision: this evening he will take a rifle and shoot and kill his wife, their three children and then himself.

Hal Holbrook
as Paul Steward

Louise Fletcher
as Miriam Steward

Peter Armstrong
as Tony Steward

Elizabeth Berridge
as Sheila Steward

José Ferrer
as Harry Rosenthal

Viveca Lindfors
as Psychiatrist

Alisha Fontaine
as Brothel Girl

Steve Austin
as Alex Steward

Jim Pappas
as Fred Russo

Ellen Barber
as Anne