It is a hectic time of year for the Horgans and young Sharon must do her share of turkey plucking. It isn't a particularly fun way to pass the time, although things look up when she meets attractive fellow plucker James. He agrees meet later that night, but when James doesn't turn up it sparks a chain of events that spell disaster for the Horgans…

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, an unstable but brilliant poet, becomes friends with the unknown William Wordsworth, and together they set out to recreate English poetry in the spirt of liberty and democracy. As time goes by, cracks begin to appear in the relationship. Sam becomes addicted to opium, while William's ego and ambition distance him further from his friend.