Drama of a ruthless Southern opportunist who tries to buy his cousin's land, and when thwarted, brings several tragedies to the lives of his loved ones.

Following World War II, a northern cannery negotiates for the purchase of a large tract of uncultivated Georgia farmland. The major portion of the land is owned by Julie Warren, and has already been optioned by her unscrupulous husband Henry. Now the combine must also obtain two smaller plots; one owned by Henry's cousin Rad McDowell, the other by Reeve Scott, a young black man whose mother had been Julie's childhood mammy. But neither Rad nor Reeve is interested in selling, and they form a partnership to improve their land. Although infuriated by the events, Henry remains determined to push through the big land deal.—alfiehitchie