Jane Fonda gives an Emmy-winning performance as Gertie Nevels, a pioneer woman and the mother of five from the Kentucky hills who is forced to uproot her children to follow her husband Clovis (Levon Helm) to Detroit when he finds work during World War II. One setback follows another and shattering tragedy strikes the family. It's all up to Gertie to find new strength, courage and determination to keep her family together and strong.—alfiehitchie
During WWII, a hard-luck farmer leaves rural home for a big city factory job. Gertie, his woodcarver wife reluctantly joins. City life and reckless spending leave them in dire straits, so Gertie carves handmade dolls to support her family.