United States

A MAN'S DESIRE TO ESCAPE... AND FINDS REFUGE THROUGH METAMORPHOSIS
John Gwilt (JASON ROBARDS) is a postman who has been seeing and hearing the world going to pieces for years, observing the changes in the people to whom he delivers it. John is also a poet, seeking poetic refuge in the library and his friendship with the pretty librarian, Estelle Benbow (JEAN SIMMONDS). There he has read the legend of Philemon and Baucis, who turned themselves into two trees when the rest of the world was destroyed. Before the planet is paved with cement and asphalt, John decides that he will seek refuge by planting himself in his yard and, through metamorphosis, transform himself into a tree. John loves his wife, Jane (SANDY DENNIS), but her pre-occupation with community affairs and housework affords her little time for their life together. John asks Jane if she is willing to turn herself into a tree with him, but she thinks he has spring fever and sends him to bed. He decides to go it alone, his bare feet wriggling sensuously in the warmth of Mother Earth. John has a series of narrow escapes from the authorities, who try to put him in an insane asylum. Jane attempts to win her husband back to the conjugal bed, but it's too late; the change is about to take place. That night, she tearfully fastens the shutters against an approaching storm. By dawn, John is blown out of his hole and through the town. Jane chases after him, begging him to wait for her. Reaching the top of the hill where she and John used to go for amorous picnics, she finds only John's discarded postal jacket. Jane looks around, calling his name. then [sic] she slowly realises that the tree against which she leans for comfort and protection is a new tree on the hill.