Set in rural Ireland of the 1930s, the story begins when 19-year-old Elizabeth has a brief fling with an actor and falls pregnant. Community pressure forces her to marry a dull middle-aged man, but maybe there is hope on the horizon.
Getting pregnant outside of marriage, young and beautiful Elizabeth's parents push her into marrying an older man to avoid shame. Moving to the middle of nowhere her troubles are about to begin.
It's six years later, and beautiful Elizabeth convinces Neeley to let her go and see a local touring play, where she bumps into George, her child's father. After Neeley's rough payback, she meets Daniel, who invites her to a dance.
After the violent events of the night, beautiful Elizabeth takes her son to Cork City hospital where she reunites with her parents. On her return home, she learns of Neeley's death at the hands of Danny, who is determined to speak to her.
Beautiful Elizabeth is forced to ask Mossey for help, whilst 15 year old Kitty has it away with Daniel. Kitty has some devastating news - she's pregnant. Mossey finally declares his love for Elizabeth.