The plot can be divided into three major acts, or sections, each of them describing the important events in Thomas Hudson's (George C Scott) life. (i) he is visited by his three sons on his island. (ii) World War II is slowly moving closer; and (iii) suddenly Hudson is in the middle of the War. The beautiful nature photography and Scott in one of the best roles of his career help make this somewhat superficial film somewhat interesting. It's about an isolated man's experiences on an island as the Second World War is moving closer. It's based on Ernest Hemingway's semi-autobiographical book. The drama provides insight into an alienated insular mind.