Summary
In the insular farming community of Spring Valley, the social fabric is irrevocably torn when young Aurora Lane gives birth to a son, Don, out of wedlock. The child's father, prominent townsman Lucius Henderson, vehemently denies paternity and refuses to legitimize their union, leaving Aurora to face the town’s unforgiving judgment alone. Branded a pariah, Aurora makes the heart-wrenching decision to entrust Don's upbringing to Miss Julia, the kind town librarian, who maintains the facade of being his "aunt" to shield him from the stigma. Years later, Don returns from college, an educated young man unaware of his true parentage, only to find the dormant whispers of scandal reignited by the town's relentless gossips. The simmering tensions erupt into tragedy when the local policeman, attempting to drive Aurora from Spring Valley, is found dead, leading to Don's immediate arrest and a desperate fight for justice amidst a community steeped in prejudice.
Synopsis
In the small farming community of Spring Valley, young Aurora Lane causes a scandal by bearing the son of townsman Lucius Henderson, who refuses to marry her or even admit that he's the father. Shunned as a "sinful" woman by most of the town, she turns over her son Don to be raised by Miss Julia, the town librarian, who tells the boy that she's his "aunt". Don grows up and goes to college, and when he comes back home the town gossips begin a rumor-mongering campaign. When the town policeman tries to drive Aurora out of town he is found murdered, and Don is arrested for the crime.
