Margaret Hale is a southerner from a country vicarage settled in the neighboring northern town of Milton. From the shock of her move, she misjudges cotton mill-owner John Thornton, whose intensity of purpose and passion are a game on her pride and willfulness. After a hit is called by the workers of Milton, Margaret chooses their side, and also the two are brought into conflict. As events spiral out of hands, Margaret - to her surprise - begins to adore Thornton...