Madge has never trusted anyone, so that when her husband Gerald tries to explain why he left her for another woman, but wishes to return, she is incapable of listening. Her aim is to punish him. Gerald realizes it is too late for them both, and determines to make a new start with Patricia, a younger and very beautiful business-woman. Gerald and Madge's children find themselves entangled in their parents' muddle: 18 year old June struggles on valiantly, but neither parent appears capable of helping her, and Patricia is the only person who can comfort 16-year old Robert. The perfect stormy setting for disaster...