Late 19th century Ireland. Joseph Donnelly, the youngest son of a poor tenant, is humiliated by a rich landlord. But a rebellion breaks out, and Joseph wants to take revenge on his oppressors, but unexpectedly falls into the net of the beautiful emancipated Shannon Christie, the landlord’s daughter. She suggests that he run away with her to America, where she has heard that land can be obtained. One of Shannon’s admirers follows them to bring her back. Many hardships and adventures await them in America, the arduous journey to Oklahoma (when thousands of settlers literally flee to new lands) before they find their happiness.