Like most families, the Jarrett family lead a stable and peaceful life. Calvin (Donald Sutherland Donald Sutherland) is not only a reserved and honest lawyer at work, but also plays the role of father and husband very well. they have been married to his wife Beth (Mary Taylor Moore Mary Tyler Moore) for more than 20 years. As the eldest son of the Jarrett family, Burke (Scott Doebler) enjoys more care and love, but Conrad (Timothy Hutton Timothy Hutton), the youngest son, doesn't care about it. In an accident, Burke drowned, and the grief-stricken Beth poured out her anger on Conrad, who was with Burke at that time, which made the latter very painful and remorseful. Fortunately, with Calvin's company and care, his inner wound gradually healed. However, when he once again plucked up the courage to ask his mother for warmth, Beth's actions made his heart fall into the ice cellar again.