When Frank Martin (Richard Harris) begins to enjoy the accolades of being a local rugby star his brutal nature begins to distance him from those around him. Stripped of his pride by a barrage of insults from the woman he loves, he almost comes to believe himself to be the performing ape of her taunts. When he can stand it no longer, he returns to her finally able to speak to her with the tenderness he has never before been able to show. But is he too late?