Adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's novel. Margaret Hale, a southerner, has newly moved to the industrial town of Milton. When the workers of a cotton mill strike, Margaret immediately takes their side, already displaying a strong dislike for the mill's owner, John Thornton. As the conflict between Margaret and Thornton intensifies, however, Margaret finds herself doing the unspeakable...falling in love.

Based on the novel by Elizabeth Gaskell.