Jimmy Stewart stars as James K. Howard, an anthropology professor at a small town university called Josiah Kessel College, which was founded by his grandfather. Living an easy life, his world becomes complicated after his son's house burns down and he offers to let his entire family move in with him temporarily.
Julia Baker (Diahann Carroll) is a young African-American woman working as a nurse. She is also a widow (Her husband died in Vietnam) trying to raise a young son (Marc Copage) alone. Others of the cast include Dr. Morton Chegley (Lloyd Nolan) & Mr. & Mrs. Waggedorn (Betty Beaird & Michael Link).