Soon afterwards, Keller's son Larry, an Air Force pilot, went missing in action. For knowingly supplying defective parts, Steve Deever went to prison. But Joe Keller swore ignorance, stayed free, and became rich. Ann also happens to be Steve Deever's daughter. Newly convinced of Joe's guilt, George demands Ann break off her engagement.
Reunions provide the occasion for detailed exposition.
Key characters go off stage just before crucial revelations. A concealed letter with an important secret gets flourished at moments of maximum effect. The ending is repeatedly telegraphed. Miller mixes in heavy symbolism. A tree erected in Larry's memory topples just before Ann and Chris announce their engagement.