AllMovie

A landowner is gradually losing his mental faculties when his older sister comes to live with him, bringing her derelict teenage son with her. She has her hopes of getting her part of the land and does not have much sympathy for her brother's failing health. Along with this trio, there is a middle sister who works hard, but is obviously sick -- and when her health deteriorates rapidly, her brother does nothing, forcing the workers on the land to come and take her to the hospital. There is also the youngest sister, more educated and anxious to leave the family and its problems. As her brother gets worse, she decides to do something about the rats that are taking over the house and captures them, drowning them in the river. Finally, she gets her chance and leaves with a man -- and her brother is taken to the river to be drowned by the workers, almost. He gets out of the river and survives, but the extension of his lease on life seems like it will certainly be limited.