Gena Rowlands plays Georgia Porter, a genteel, seemingly content, southern widow whose life is forever changed when her estranged daughter and the daughter’s husband die in an auto accident on the West Coast �Eleaving behind their 6-year-old daughter, Jacey (Penny Bae Bridges). Shocked by her daughter’s death �Eand her daughter’s familial status �EGeorgia finds herself unprepared for the reality that her newfound grandchild is black. Despite her biases �Ewhich she attempts to conceal �EGeorgia brings Jacey home with her and makes many awkward attempts to comfort and acquaint herself with the frightened child.

Louis Gossett portrays Jacey’s doting paternal grandfather, Lou, who causes the little girl’s spirits to improve when he shows up at Georgia’s doorstep with documentation giving him the right to raise her back in California.

When, for the good of Jacey, circumstances lead Georgia to take Lou temporarily into her home, Georgia butts heads with her disapproving, socialite sister-in-law. Soon Georgia begins to challenge her old notions �Eand learn who her true friends are. Meanwhile, the friction between Lou and Georgia slowly begins to dissolve as the two gain respect and deeper understanding of each other �Eand realize that Jacey needs them both.

Not rated at time of screening: Two expletives; Georgia utters "Sweet Jesus" when she discovers Lou is injured, but it is not meant as a curse. She is a religious woman. In flashbacks we briefly see scenes of the accident that left Jacey orphaned. Other flashbacks reveal that Georgia’s husband had been a drunk and a wife beater, but these scenes are handled discreetly. The loss of parents may be disturbing for younger viewers.

This is a very sensitive, poignant tale of how we conquer prejudice by getting to know one another. Well-written, never preachy, and with moving performances by its stars, I found this to be a true delight.