Beginning in Dublin 1910, this film is loosely based on the autobiography, "Mirror in my House", by Sean O Casey. Young Cassidy, a manual worker becomes increasingly interested in writing, and falls in love with Nora, a young bookkeeper who lends him literature. He is involved in politics, writes propaganda and partakes in the Easter Rising.

After the rising he attempts to disengage from politics. By now his literary work is receiving credit. He becomes a good friend of WB Yeats and Lady Gregory. He is committed to representing working class people in his dramas, but his honest portrayals are not always approved of by the people themselves. As a result, Nora begins to distance herself and Cassidy decides to emigrate. Maggie Smith was nominated for a Best Actress BAFTA film award for her role in this film.