In 1921, in an Ireland on the verge of civil war, Jimmy Gralton had built in his country town a place where people could dance, box, learn drawing and engage in other cultural activities. Accused of communism, he was forced to leave his land for the United States. Ten years later Jimmy comes back and the young people urge him to reopen the hall. Gralton is initially hesitant but soon acquiesces. Those who were hostile to him in the past oppose him once again.