Robert Mulligan’s grace coming of age drama, set in rural Louisiana in 1957, analyzes the changing relationship between two sisters who fall in love with the handsome new boy next door, Court Foster (Jason London). The younger sister of 14-year-old Dani (Reese Witherspoon), gains Court of friendship and a brief kiss but not his romantic affections, which is offered to college bound Maureen (Emily Warfield).

The once-close sisters turn into rivals while learning some painful lessons on growth. But when a sudden tragedy, are forced to draw strength from their powerful familial bond. Witherspoon gives a moving performance in her film debut, and Mulligan demonstrates once again his grace and ability to tender (shown in the previous films as Summer of ‘42 and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD) for capturing the bewilderment, the awkwardness, and fresh excitement of adolescence.