'Lucky' Ryland (Peter Finch) is the Captain of the 'Bulinga' ship. He secures a contract to transport a cargo of pedigree bulls from South America to England which must be achieved in record time.

However ill-will develops amongst the overworked crew and tensions rise when Ruth (Diane Cilento), a beautiful young woman, accompanies the crew on their voyage. Ryland quickly becomes infatuated with Ruth and the blossoming romance leads him to make a proposal of marriage. While Ruth considers his advance jealousy grows amongst the crew and Ryland takes to drinking to cope with the rejection.

Isolated from his crew Ryland becomes more withdrawn until they encounter a violent storm which becomes the true test of his position and character.