Gene is a recently widowed college professor who can never quite break free of the influence of Tom, his overbearing father. Gene is contemplating a move across the country, but he feels guilty for abandoning his father, especially after Gene's mother dies, leaving the old man ostensibly alone. Thanks to Tom's unrepentant stubbornness, the two men can not even share the grief of having lost both of their wives. As Tom's health begins to fade, Gene desperately tries to forge a final connection, but Tom merely retreats further into his shell of bitterness.