Although he is rescued from poverty, a seven year old boy is unable to cope with those who adopted him. When he grows into manhood, marriage, and fatherhood, he seeks freedom from his marital and parental obligations. His dominant desire is to be completley independant. Following World War 2 combat, he "escapes" to the Florida Keys. After a half century of promiscuous indulgence throughout Florida, the 84 year old man in 2001 is lonely and utterly dissatisfied.