A writer rents what he believes is a deserted lodge in order to complete his novel. But then six other people show up one-by-one, each for reasons of their own.
His role in the plight of an unemployed man (Humphrey Bogart) and his disabled daughter profoundly affects an intractable Irish policeman (Pat O'Brien).
Colonel de Valpeau lives alone with his negro servant, Zeno. Being pressed for funds, the Colonel is refused a loan on the hereditary estate, and is threatened with eviction.
