Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie and an all-star cast bring the characters of Truman Capote's novel to life in this touching film about how people learn to love and change.

Following the death of his parents, young Collin Fenwick (Edward Furlong) comes to a small southern town to live with his father's cousins, Verena and Dolly Talbo.

He soon discovers that the Talbo household is anything but normal. Verena (Sissy Spacek) rules the house, as well as the entire town, with a stern hand. Meanwhile, her older sister Dolly (Piper Laurie) charms Collin with her gentle, romantic spirit.

To escape Verona's oppression, Dolly, Collin and the Talbo's eccentric maid, Catherine (Nell Carter) run away to an old tree house in the woods. But their adventure sparks a series of events that will change not just their lives but the future of the entire town as well.