Rusty McCloud (George Parry) is sent by his economically-strapped mother (Joanne Woodward) to live on his grandparents' farm one winter during the Great Depression. The grandparents, Daniel Larson (Jason Robards) and his wife Emma (Saint), are still grieving the loss of their son in World War I, and Daniel in particular is initially gruff and resentful toward his grandson. However, a bond gradually develops between the two of them, and as Christmas approaches they work to deliver a melodeon (organ) left by the dead son to the local church as a surprise gift.