In 1932, Jimmy Gralton returns to his Irish homeland after a decade in the United States. Upon his arrival, he finds the community struggling with economic hardships and social divisions. Remembering the success of the community hall he once created, Jimmy decides to reopen it as a place where locals can gather for free speech, dance, education, and a sense of unity. His actions, however, quickly attract the ire of the local clergy and conservative political figures who see the hall as a threat to their influence and traditional values.

As Jimmy's hall gains popularity and becomes a vibrant hub for cultural and social activities, tensions escalate. The authorities and religious leaders intensify their efforts to shut it down, fearing the liberal ideas and sense of freedom that it fosters among the people. Jimmy faces mounting pressure and hostility from those who wish to maintain the status quo, leading to a conflict that deeply impacts not just him, but the entire community he seeks to uplift. The story explores themes of resistance, community solidarity, and the struggle between progressive change and conservative control.