A disillusioned artist returns to his Australian roots to live in isolation on a remote island, where he unexpectedly finds fresh inspiration during an encounter with a young woman. She agrees to model for him, but the arrangement does not please her grandmother. Michael Powell's drama, starring James Mason, Helen Mirren and Jack MacGowran.

An elderly artist thinks he has become too stale and is past his prime. His friend (and agent) persuades him to go to an offshore island to try once more. On the island he re-discovers his muse in the form of a young girl.