Courtney Patterson (Natalie Wood) is a beautiful young songwriter who is physically disabled due to polio. Her physical condition has made her emotionally guarded, cynical and suspicious of the kindness of strangers until she meets Marcus Simon (Robert Wagner), a handsome older attorney. Courtney cautiously moves towards romance, although she remains wary of intimacy. Marcus slowly wins her over. Unfortunately, her family is not supportive of their relationship, providing yet another obstacle that the couple must overcome.