Susannah Polk is a young woman whose beauty and independence make her stand out in her tightly-knit mountain community. When she’s accused of immoral behavior by the valley’s self-righteous elders, rumor quickly hardens into judgment. Even the well-meaning Reverend is torn between compassion and desire, creating turmoil that drives the drama to bitter tragedy.

Carlisle Floyd’s score fuses Appalachian folk sounds with soaring lyricism, creating one of the most unforgettable American works of the 20th century.