Sir John Mills and James Mason star as two long-time rivals. Brett (James Mason) is the nephew of a wealthy uncle, and envied by Clifford Southey (John Mills), a clerk for the firm. Brett's cool and privileged demeanor make Southey constantly jealous, so when Brett is appointed to Southey's regiment where he has been in charge for a long time, Southey is fearful of the effect this will have both on his authority and his self-esteem.