The young man Nikolos is forced to engage in the fishing of sea sponges in order to get the hand of the beautiful Lenio. This work makes him a cripple, and marriage to his beloved does not bring happiness.

The story of Greek patriots' struggle against the Nazi invaders in May 1941, when German troops landed on the island of Crete. Fleeing the Germans, seven people, completely different in their views and personalities, come together: communist Memos, who has escaped from prison; military doctor Kimon, fleeing from the hospital; nurse Alika and nurse Krinjo, a gendarme; and two soldiers—a Greek and a New Zealander who has fallen behind.