This thin French drama takes place on a barren prison island. Pierre (Omar Sharif) has been sentenced to a life of hard labor on an island which lacks even a proper prison building: the men live in tents year 'round. Despite the grim conditions and brutal guards, he manages to hold his temper in check. His wife (Florinda Bolkan) campaigns for the right to visit him and finally succeeds. His inner discipline disturbed by her visit, Pierre reacts almost normally to abuse from a guard, and tragedy follows.
