In Singapore in 1941 the British middle classes lead a comfortable life though Marian Jefferson,unlike her friend Vicky,wants to return to England to do war work whilst her army officer husband Clifford is one of the few who believe the Japanese will attack by land. His opinion is shared by Australian radio presenter Bernard Webster who gets sacked for broadcasting his view that the colony is unprepared for invasion - though his girl-friend Rose admires his principles. Romance blossoms between two young couples,Lieutenant Simon Treves and Eurasian tour guide Christina Campbell and Kate Norris and Harry Redburn but these are rudely interrupted when the Japanese bombers strike. Hospital doctor Beatrice Mason,helped by Sister Ulrica and her nuns,tends to the many injured.