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 insure 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. The union gets off to a shaky start with the death of the couple's newborn baby and the loss of several head of cattle. By this time, however, the love between Torn and Ferrell is strong enough to survive any setback. Heartland is based on several autobiographical works by Elinore Randall Stewart.