A young lawyer and his wife move to Tennessee to work in his Uncle Oman's law firm. Under his nephew's pressure, Oman Hedgepath agrees to represent L.B. Jones, a wealthy black undertaker who intends to divorce his wife for adultery with a white policeman. This controversial crime drama rose to number one at the U.S. box office, the final film of the legendary Academy Award-winning director behind Ben-Hur, William Wyler. Based on true events and the novel by Jesse Hill Ford, the film stars critically acclaimed actors Roscoe Lee Browne (The Cosby Show), Lee J. Cobb (12 Angry Men), and Lola Falana - nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance.