The screenplay by John Patrick was adapted from the eponymous 1951 novel by Irving Stone, based on the life of American president Andrew Jackson and his marriage to Rachel Donelson Robards.

It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Art Direction: Lyle R. Wheeler, Leland Fuller and Paul S. Fox and for Best Costume Design: Charles LeMaire and Renié.

In 1789, Rachel Donelson Robards meets Tennessee's attorney general, Andrew Jackson, for the first time when he seeks room and board at her mother's farm near Nashville.

Andrew becomes infatuated with the lovely Rachel and is disappointed when her moody husband, Lewis Robards, comes from Harrodsburg to ask her to return home.

In Spanish-controlled Natchez, Andrew tells Rachel that she could obtain an annulment there and they could marry, but that their marriage would not be legal in the United States.

Before he leaves, however, Andrew receives a letter from John announcing that Lewis has gotten a divorce, charging Rachel with adultery.

Although she is crushed by the accusation, Rachel marries Andrew, and after they return to Nashville, the couple spend two happy years together.

Rachel, who is in failing health, sneaks out one night to listen to Andrew speak at a rally, and is crushed to hear the jeering crowd yell out that they will not have a murderer for a president or a prostitute as the first lady.

When Andrew receives word that he has won the election, Rachel tearfully acknowledges that he kept his promise to raise her to grand heights.

Soon after, in Washington, just before his inaugural speech, Andrew gazes at a miniature of Rachel and vows that his memories will keep him company for the rest of his life.