In 1940s Chicago, a young black man takes a job as a chauffeur to a white family, which takes a turn for the worse when he accidentally kills the teenage daughter of the couple and then tries to cover it up.

Victor Love
as Bigger Thomas

Matt Dillon
as Jan

Elizabeth McGovern
as Mary Dalton

Geraldine Page
as Peggy

Oprah Winfrey
as Mrs. Thomas

Akosua Busia
as Bessie

Carroll Baker
as Mrs. Dalton

John McMartin
as Mr. Dalton

Art Evans
as Doc

John Karlen
as Max