London is poised on the brink of World War II. Timid, scrawny willie beech -- the abused child of a single mother -- is evacuated to the English countryside. At first, he is terrified of everything, of the country sounds...London is poised on the brink of World War II. Timid, scrawny willie beech -- the abused child of a single mother -- is evacuated to the English countryside. At first, he is terrified of everything, of the country sounds and sights, even of mr. Tom, the gruff, kindly old man who has taken him in.