Plot

When shy schoolteacher Val marries Harry, the son of an aged opera star, she quickly discovers that Harry's mother Barbara is not very happy with their union. In fact, Barbara tries to separate the couple. But when Barbara suffers a debilitating stroke, Val's compassion and empathy mend the rift between the two women, giving Barbara the will to survive. But will Barbara learn to love her daughter-in-law?—Jwelch5742

This story focuses on the changing relationship between two women, a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, over a 14-year span. The first is a domineering, self-righteous, flamboyant former opera star who has alienated her son, a self-centered artist. His wife is a bright schoolteacher who has trouble dealing with either of them. The film looks at the first meeting of the two women before the marriage and moves forward in time with the mother-in-law interfering in the couple's marriage to the point of causing a separation. However, 14 years after the initial meeting, the mother has a devastating stroke and it is the daughter-in-law who steps in to help her and strives to give her the courage to survive. The film is about the wasted time that exists with many human relationships.—John Sacksteder <jsackste@bellsouth.net>