In an English seaside resort, various guests in a modest hotel lead intertwined lives full of unresolved issues and secrets. Among the guests are Major Angus Pollock, a timid, solitary man who becomes the subject of local gossip due to a scandalous past that surfaces through a newspaper article. Sibyl Railton-Bell, an emotionally fragile woman dominated by her overbearing mother, takes a particular interest in Major Pollock. Meanwhile, the hotel's manager, Miss Pat Cooper, struggles with her unattached relationship with John Malcolm, a disgraced former politician who is also a guest.

As the guests interact, their vulnerabilities and past traumas begin to surface, culminating in intense emotional confrontations. Major Pollock must face the scrutiny and judgment of the other guests while grappling with his own shame and guilt. Sibyl's budding feelings for him bring her into conflict with her mother, leading to a moment of self-discovery and rebellion. The arrival of John's ex-wife, Ann Shankland, adds another layer of complexity as unresolved emotions between John and Ann resurface, creating tension within the group. Through these confrontations, the guests achieve varying degrees of resolution and understanding, leading to moments of personal growth and unexpected solidarity.