Based on Rebecca West's novel, this drama centers on World War I soldier Chris Baldry (Alan Bates), who returns from battle suffering from shell shock. An amnesia victim, Baldry doesn't remember anything about his life and vents his bitterness on his pretentious wife, Kitty (Julie Christie). Meanwhile, an attractive older woman (Ann-Marget) and Baldry's childhood sweetheart (Glenda Jackson) both set out to steal Baldry away from Kitty.