What happens when a young laborer, slow-witted and dull, but handsome and hard-working, meets an attractive, intelligent, middle-aged business woman? Find out in Tim, starring Mel Gibson as Tim Melville and Piper Laurie as Mary Mary Horton. At the outset, the relationship between this unlikely pair is strictly employer/employee, Mary hires Tim to help with the odd jobs around the house. Gradually, she begins to take an interest in him and the fact that he is unable to read and write. Mary begins to teach Tim to read, and in return learns a few things about herself. The friendship between Tim and Mary becomes a close one, and Tim's parents are only too happy for their son. Although they encounter many obstacles, including Tim's jealous older sister, Dawnie, inevitably the feelings between Tim and Mary become more than just platonic ones. Can a love thrive between two people who are so very different?