Justin McLeod is a reclusive and mysterious figure who lives in the resort town where Charles Norstadt and his family have a summer home. He is known as "The Man Without A Face" because half of his face is terribly disfigured. He lives alone up on a hill and doesn't associate with anyone. He is also known as the "Grouch" because he's so unfriendly and abrupt with everyone.
Charles seeks McLeod out to be his tutor. Rumor has it that McLeod had been a teacher. Since Charles doesn't want his mother and Gloria to find out that he's studying for his entry exam into a boarding school, he figures that being coached by McLeod will keep his secret safe since the man has no contact with anyone in the community.
McLeod takes Charles on as a student but on his terms. Charles must be serious about his studies and follow all of McLeod's stringent rules and his schedule. Although remote at first, McLeod begins to take to the youngster. Charles, whose father had abandoned him, sees McLeod as a father figure. McLeod reveals the details of the accident that caused his disfigurement. He was burned in a car accident. He was drunk and at the wheel. A boy around Charles' age was in the car and was burned to death. McLeod lost his teaching position at St. Matthews and ultimately served two years in prison.
McLeod teaches Charles to reach out for what he wants in life and not just react to the negativity of people like his mother and sister. He also teaches him that liberty is nothing without a dream of what that liberty will gain for you. McLeod is successful in preparing Charles for his exams which he passes and gains acceptance to the school. McLeod dies of a heart attack during Charles' first semester at his new school.
