Lonely and frightened after her husband's sudden death, Bea Asher (Maureen Stapleton) faces an uncertain future. Friends concerned for her well-being persuade her to go out for an evening of fun and dancing at the Stardust Ballroom, where she meets the charming Alvin Green (Charles Durning). During the course of the evening, Alvin teaches Bea how to dance and helps her realize that she's not yet ready to give up on life -- or love.