The "heartland" of the title is rural Wyoming in the early 20th century, where dwells taciturn, reclusive Scottish farmer Rip Torn. Conchata Ferrell arrives at the Torn spread to work as his housekeeper. Paid near-starvation wages, Ferrell continues working day and night, hoping to use her savings to ensure a bright future for her 10-year-old daughter Megan Folsom. Touched by her diligence, Torn slowly falls in love with Ferrell, and after seeing the woman and her child through the torturous Wyoming winter, he marries her - but their union gets off to a shaky start and threatens to buckle, thanks to several unforeseen casualties. Heartland is based on several autobiographical works by Elinore Randall Stewart.