It is George Virdon's destiny to serve as a kind of catalyst for the group of friends around him. The symbol of the group is 'the green empress' - an imposing Packard Super 8. He is successively owned by the five male members of the group. The convertible is the setting for their love affairs, rivalries, disasters; divided by the women they conquer or lose, the rebellious children they raise; their quarrels and reconciliations, loyalty and betrayal.