In early 20th-century Wyoming, bitter Scottish farmer Clyde Stewart (Rip Torn) hires a housekeeper, a widow named Elinore (Conchata Ferrell) who penetrates Stewart's cold heart with her determination as she scrapes by to support her young daughter. As feelings between the two intensify, outside forces threaten the togetherness they both crave. This award-winning character study is based on Elinore Randall Stewart's autobiographical works.