Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
The Weight of Abandonment
Chance reflects on leaving his family 25 years ago and decides to return home after years of drifting. His friends warn him against reopening old wounds, but he remains determined.
Key Events
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Abandonment in Pittsburgh — Chance leaves his family 25 years ago, setting the story's backstory. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Pittsburgh
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Years of Drifting — Chance lives as a hobo, moving constantly without roots. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Open Road
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Decision to Return — Chance decides it is time to go home after decades away. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Train Station
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Pittsburgh Memories — Flashback location of Chance's original departure. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Pittsburgh
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Hobo Camp Life — Chance's transient living environment. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Open Road
Return to Salt Lake City
Chance arrives in Salt Lake City and faces his son's deep resentment over the past abandonment. The son reluctantly grants him a single day to meet his grandchildren.
Key Events
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Decision to Return — Chance decides it is time to go home after decades away. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Train Station
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Salt Lake City Arrival — Chance arrives in the city where his son now resides. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Salt Lake City
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Son's Resentment Revealed — Son confronts Chance about the 25-year abandonment. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Son's Home
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One-Day Ultimatum — Son grants Chance one day with the grandkids before he must leave. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Son's Home
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Son's Household — The domestic space where Chance's visit occurs.
Location: Son's Home
The One-Day Limit
Chance spends his allotted time with his grandkids while his friends continue to advise him to leave. Tension builds as the deadline approaches and boundaries are enforced.
Key Events
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One-Day Ultimatum — Son grants Chance one day with the grandkids before he must leave. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Son's Home
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Friends' Warning — Friends advise Chance to leave his past alone. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: City Park
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Chance's Resolve — Chance ignores warnings, determined to find out for himself. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: City Park
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Meeting the Grandchildren — Chance spends his allotted day with his grandkids. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Son's Home
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Time Running Out — The one-day limit approaches, tension rises. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Son's Home
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Grandchildren's Room — Intimate space for Chance's interaction with his grandkids. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Son's Home
Acceptance and Departure
Chance accepts the son's conditions and leaves as instructed. He reflects on his journey and reunites with his friends, continuing his life on the road.
Key Events
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Time Running Out — The one-day limit approaches, tension rises. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Son's Home
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Son's Boundary Enforced — Son insists Chance must leave after the day ends. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Son's Home
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Chance's Departure — Chance leaves as instructed, carrying his experiences. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Salt Lake City Streets
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Reflection on the Past — Chance reflects on the consequences of his choices. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Train Station
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Friends' Reunion — Chance reunites with his hobo friends. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Train Station
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Journey Continues — Chance boards a train, drifting onward. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Train
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City Streets at Dusk — Atmospheric setting for Chance's departure. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Salt Lake City Streets
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Final Goodbye — Chance and Son share a silent, tense farewell. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Son's Home
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Train Departure — Chance leaves the city, continuing his nomadic life. Characters: Chance Grovner
Location: Train
A hobo played by Barnard Hughes decides it's time to go home. Drifting from place to place, Hughes finds himself in his hometown of Salt Lake City at Christmas time. Here he hopes to close old wounds and be reunited with his unforgiving son played by Gerald McRaney, and get to know the grandchildren he has never met. McRaney, still resenting the fact that Hughes ran out on his family 25 years earlier, gives his father only one day with his grandkids; after that, he's expected to leave and never come back. All the while Hughes' friends warn him that his son and the past are memories that are best left alone, and should leave, but he has to find out for himself.
