In 1940s South Carolina, mill worker Noah Calhoun and rich girl Allie are desperately in love. But her parents don't approve. When Noah goes off to serve in World War II, it seems to mark the end of their love affair. In the interim, Allie becomes involved with another man, Lon Hammond Jr who is an intelligent and hardworking lawyer who comes from a wealthy, powerful family who made their money in the cotton industry long ago