When deaf-mute John Singer moves to a sleepy Southern town to be near his hospitalized friend, a brain-damaged man-child, Singer's silent kindness draws to him others broken in body and spirit.

"John Singer, who is deaf ... moves from a small town in order to be close to his institutionalized friend Antonapoulos, who is deaf and mentally impaired. Singer rents a room with a family whose father, Mr. Kelly, is unable to earn a living due to a serious injury. His teen-aged daughter Mick is at first resentful of Singer's presence, but he ingratiates himself by introducing her to classical music (which he can "feel, " if not hear). Singer likewise tries to brighten the lives of such unfortunates as alcoholic Blount, dying black doctor Copeland, and Copeland's poverty-stricken daughter."--Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide.