Joseph Harris, a legendary but restless playwright, comes to the small town of Michigan for Christmas to present his latest play. The New York cynic is greeted by a young, aspiring writer who challenges his hero to be the icon he perceives to be idolized. However, Harris doesn't want any part of Michigan, small towns, and has no interest in being the young hero. The young man has to face his hero and control the relationship between hero, reality and hope.