A schoolteacher plagued by alcoholism and his refusal to serve in World War II, Graham Weir inspires contempt in almost everyone around him, including his bitter wife, Anna. When the lovely young Shirley Taylor, one of Weir's students, falls for her unfortunate instructor, he is tempted and flattered but turns down her advances. Taylor's subsequent actions make Weir's life even more complicated.

Laurence Olivier
as Graham Weir

Simone Signoret
as Anna Weir

Sarah Miles
as Shirley Taylor

Terence Stamp
as Mitchell

Hugh Griffith
as O'Hara

Roland Culver
as Trowman

Dudley Foster
as Detective Sergeant Keirnan

Frank Pettingell
as Ferguson

Thora Hird
as Mrs. Taylor

Norman Bird
as Mr. Taylor