Born a slave, July is taken from her mother to a plantation house and forced to work for the odious Caroline. But she slowly learns how to handle her new mistress.

Caroline and July compete for Robert's attention. Robert announces he is marrying Caroline, but on the wedding night he goes to July's bed.

Angry and frustrated by the workers' refusal to work to his orders, Robert takes violent revenge, hoping to scare them into working - to the shock and horror of July.