Adapted from the novel by A. J. Cronin, this British drama centers on exploitation in a northern mining community. A young man leaves home with a university scholarship with the purpose of later returning home to help his family. While attending school, he falls in love and begins a new life. After learning of the deadly working conditions, he returns home to fight against the mine ownership and management. Interesting note the film was changed for American audiences with differing credits, voice-over and a different ending.