Based on a true story, "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio" is about a large, struggling family held together by the creativity of the mother Evelyn Ryan (Julianne Moore), whose writing talents allow her to consistently win jingle-writing contests. She is indomitably upbeat despite alcoholic husband Kelly Ryan (Woody Harrelson), a failed singer turned garage mechanic. The movie follows the growth of the family through the 50s and 60s as they overcome repeated obstacles with only luck and wit.