In the late 1800s, the longtime feud between the Kentucky McCoy family and the West Virginia Hatfields has lain dormant – until Johnse Hatfield meets charming young Rosemary McCoy and falls in love. When the young couple declare their intention to marry, Johnse's father, Anse Hatfield, protests, but he's also pleased that the feud can be renewed. Violence between the clans breaks out with tragic results, but Johnse and Rosemary stand fast.