The film tells the story of a middle-aged woman, suffering from unrequited love for the local town sheriff; however, she falls for a con man who comes to town with the promise that he can make it rain.

It stars Burt Lancaster, Katharine Hepburn, Wendell Corey, Lloyd Bridges and Earl Holliman.

As their farm languishes under the devastating drought, Lizzie's family worries about her marriage prospects more than about their dying cattle.

Prior to Starbuck's arrival, Lizzie was expecting Sheriff File, for whom she harbors a secret yen, though he declined the family's invitation to dinner.

[3] Against Lizzie's protests, H.C. goes for the deal out of desperation for rain even though he thinks Starbuck is a con.