The story involves a stubborn father that believes his son is needed more on the farm than attending school. The father, Oliver Harker (John Vernon), forces his son, Tommy, to work the farm rather than read books. In fact, when Oliver finds Tommy reading a book from school- he throws the book in the fire and tells him that reading is over.
However, Tommy returns to the school only to have his father interrupt the classroom and drag his son out of school. On the way out Oliver knocks the schoolteacher, Henry Decory (Allen Garfield), to the ground in front of all the students. Mr Decory files a assault warrant on Mr. Harker and the matter of school attendance goes to court.
The citizens of Dodge are not too happy with a Eastern schoolteacher coming into town thinking he knows what is right for all children. They feel like he is taking away the father's ability to raise his son as he sees fit. With the court hearing taking place, the Judge will give flexibility as the schoolteacher tries to show the real reason for school attendance.
This is a very well written script. With the fine script and the great acting this show held the interest of the viewer the entire time. You do have to overlook the way the court hearing took place since the court allowed the trial to go well over the charge of assault, something that would not happen in a real courtroom. But for TV sake we over look this small detail and concentrate on the overall story. And the story was a good watch.