The film stars Rolf Lassgård, Helena Bergström (who is married to director Nutley), and Johan Widerberg.

The film begins with a voice-over quotation of a verse from the Book of Ecclesiastes, which includes the language, "for every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."

After the death of his mother over a decade ago, Olof (Rolf Lassgård), an illiterate farmer, lives alone on his family farm.

Olof can't read, so his young friend Erik (Johan Widerberg)—who has been a sailor and claims to have known various American celebrities while staying in the United States and to have bedded hundreds of women—handles all the business of the farm.

When he does read the note, he alters the text by inserting a sentence saying that Erik has repaid some money he borrowed from Olof, and that Ellen has taken the payments for herself.