Set in the wild backwoods country in New York state, the story sketches in stark, powerful terms the struggles of a gentle, sensitive girl, Gracie Clay (Isabel Jewel), to free herself from the domination of an tyrannical father, Matt Clay (Charles Middleton), who forbids her from seeing Everett Clark (Eric Linden), the boy she loves. An idealistic young attorney, Carroll Aiken (Claire Trevor), just embarking on her career, befriends Gracie and gives her a dress so she will be attractive when she meets Everett at a planned picnic. Mr. Clay finds Gracie with Everett, drags her home and gives her a terrible beating. During the melee , he is accidentally killed, but she is accused of murdering him.