A stubborn farmer, Mr. Matthews (Walter Brennan), is raising his children alone when his oldest daughter, Deborah (Marguerite Chapman), gets a suitor, David Barkley (Robert Paige). After Matthews is injured and forced to change his ways, Deborah takes charge of the farm, combining efficient management techniques with her own initiative. The family's new life on the land is put to the test when a great storm hits, threatening their home and livelihood.