William Wyler's sensitive direction opens rich insights into those of the Quaker faith in Jessamyn West's beautiful story of a happy, warm-hearted Quaker family, committed by faith to non-violence, caught up in the backlash of the Civil War. The film is set in 1862, but is startlingly timely in terms of the issues facing us today as this family is confronted with a decision to choose between their principles and pacifism and their belief in the need to preserve the Union.