It's a surprisingly melancholy tale; however, considering the advantages and possibilities available to young “George” (Tim Holt), it might seem silly to describe it as such. He’s born into affluence, prestige, and comfort, so naturally grows up as a young man with little understanding or gratitude for anything – all he desires is to sail boats. As the story unfolds, we witness the reappearance of “Eugene” (Joseph Cotton), the man his mother, now a widow, (Dolores Costello) genuinely loved before a petty disagreement led her to marry the dull but dependable "Wilbur." “George” is set on preventing any revival of their former romance and, generally speaking, sadness follows for everyone involved. It’s clear that “George” is destined for trouble, and there quickly forms a group of people eager to help him along his way as his pride and lack of consideration create problems for those around him – including himself. The film functions as a subdued drama and lacks much action in the conventional sense, but the characters effectively represent the careless and entitled attitudes often seen in bored, wealthy, ambitious, and simply uninformed individuals. Agnes Moorhead is memorable as “Fanny,” the unmarried woman who attempts to restrain "George" from his most destructive behaviors, and Orson Welles avoids being overly critical or imposing with his narration that carefully leads us through the story, at times.

Source on TMDB