Frank McCloud (Humphrey Bogart) is a disillusioned World War II veteran who decides to take some time out and visit the family of an old friend killed during the war. They now live in the Florida Keys.
However when he arrives at the rundown hotel run by crippled James Temple (Lionel Barrymore) and his daughter-in-law Nora Temple (Lauren Bacall), widow of Frank's friend, he soon learns that the business has been crudely taken over by Johnny Rocco (Edward G. Robinson) and his gang.
Frank doesn't really get involved in the goings on at the hotel, wanting to lead a peaceful life. However when Frank hears of Rocco's mistreatment of his mistress, and the murder of two Indians, he becomes convinced that this cruelty must be stopped.
Now he gets his perfect opportunity. Rocco decides to force Frank into piloting his boat on his jorney to Cuba. Now, as a hurricane approaches, could this be the biggest mistake the crime lord has ever made?