Following the death of their parents, Flora (Verna Harvey) and Miles (Christopher Ellis) are left in the care of repressed governess Miss Jessel (Stephanie Beacham), and housekeeper Mrs. Grose (Thora Hird). But it is Peter Quint (Marlon Brando), the malevolent Irish servant, who truly rules the household; Miss Jessel, equally repulsed and fascinated by Quint, is drawn into a secret affair with him, while Flora and Miles are increasingly in his thrall...