Based on John Van Druten's play, director George Stevens's drama gathers the recollections of a Norwegian family relocated to San Francisco -- especially those of Katrin (Barbara Bel Geddes), a novelist who credits her mother, Marta (Irene Dunne), for her and her siblings' success. In spite of poverty and the difficulties of adjusting to a new country, Marta persevered, paving the way for her children's bright future.