The main characters are Harold Silver and his brother George. The latter causes the death of a married couple (on purpose?) in a car accident. His accountability is investigated at a clinic. In the meantime, Harold has an affair with his brother’s wife. When George escapes from the clinic and discovers the adultery, he beats her to death. In turn, Harold’s own wife leaves him.

Now that the entire family is shattered, Harold is forced to take responsibility. Not only does he take care of the children of his imprisoned brother, he also allows the son of the married couple that died in the car accident to come and live with him. Almost despite himself, he manages to create a newly assembled family.