Set during the Depression in the South, Miss Amelia Evans (Vanessa Redgrave) owns the local store and is feared and loathed by most of the town. She kicks her would-be husband out, refusing to consummate the marriage, but accepts his generous wedding present of land. When a hunchback arrives, claiming he is her cousin, the town watches in amazement as she takes him in, dotes on him and turns her store into a cafe for him.