 This story focusses on the changing relationship between two women, a mother and her daughter-in-law, over a 14 year span. The first (Colleen Dewhurst) is a domineering, self righteous and flamboyant former opera star who has alienated her son (Michael Nouri), a self-centered artist. His wife (Farrah Fawcett) is a bright school teacher, who has trouble dealing with either of the two. The film looks at the first meeting of the two women before the marriage and moves forward in time with the mother-in-law interfering in the couple s marriage to the point of causing a separation. However, 14 years after the initial meeting, the mother has a devastating stroke and it is the daughter-in-law who steps in to help her and strives to give her the courage to survive. The film is about the wasted time that exists with many human relationships.