The Singapore Grip

1942, the British colonial 'strait Settlements' haven't yet felt the sting of Japanese invasion but keep on partying. Wise cynic Webb and his junior partner Walter Blackett run a major rubber export firm, bound to profit from the Allied war demand. After honoring in Blackett's place his daughter Sylvia's promise to vouch for Chinese refugee Vera Chiang she met at a party in China, and putting her up in his estate managed by retired Major Brendan Archer, Webb falls terminally ill at his jubilee party thrown at the Blackett home, where Walter's son Monty still just enjoys himself as a naive knave. Walter calls for Webb's son Matthew's return from English boarding school and takes Vera in, all in again attempt to keep Webb senior motivated to live on. Meanwhile Sylvia's US officer admirer Ehrendorf has informally tipped off Walter its' time to contract a huge rubber order before US import restrictions are issued, then Sylvia dutifully agrees to wed a suitable business ally.

After his father's death, bright young son Matthew Webb insists to learn the ropes about the rubber business, visiting the plantation in Johore after Walter and Monty Blackett refused to see the field manager. Hedonistic Monty Blackett takes Matthew and sister Sylvia along to the hottest Chinese nightclub. She's annoyed Mattew invited US officer Ehrendorff and back at the mansion makes clear enough he stands no romantic change for him to decide returning home. Matthew however makes clear not to fall under her siren spell even before the Singopore Sting virus decks him. Vera was thrown out again, so seeks a new protector, but Syvia dragged Matthew away. The British military still believes The Japanese won't run over the Straits and Malaysia, but straight after Pearl Harbour the contrary is proven by bombardment and landing.

The Allies keep underestimating the Japanese military, which advances fast and unstoppable, while the British are barely mobilizing on war footing, able men like Monty can even escape 'voluntary' fire fighter brigade training. The Blacketts and Webbs are sitting on a huge rubber stock, but it's ever more doubtful if they can still sell it for the US war effort, despite a promise for aid from the colonial governor and a scheme to buy export quota from smaller colleagues. French guest Dupigny is surprised by an air raid when he visits the plantation on Penang island, but returns playing the hero. Scorned by Joan, Ehrendorf joins the RAF. Both are amused by the spectacle of Walter eagerly setting the stage for a wedding proposal from prodded Matthew Webb, who initially seems to agree, but once ref-covered from his Singapore Sting comes to his senses and decides against the arranged marriage. Vera is meanwhile practically deported to an Asian quarter.

Ehrendorf arrives at Slim River as an officer under British secondment where he has news for Sylvia's brother, Charlie, and the underprepared defenders. Walter and his rival Solomon come to an agreement. Matthew declares his intentions to Vera.

When tragedy strikes, Walter spots an opportunity to turn the situation to his advantage. As bombs rain down on Singapore, Ehrendorf treads on new ground. After Matthew resolves to help Vera escape, the duo face a race against time.

Despite the crushing attacks on Singapore, the British army are instructed to continue fighting at all costs. Walter, still reeling from recent news, struggles to face the harsh truth and his grip on reality weakens. Matthew hears devastating news about Vera and races to save her from danger, but not without a struggle. As the British surrender to the Japanese, unprepared for the challenge to their way out of Singapore, tragedy strikes for all involved.