In early 20th-century northern England, John O'Brien, a poverty-stricken worker, falls deeply in love with Mary, the teacher of his intelligent younger sister Kathy and the daughter of a wealthy family. Despite their vastly different social backgrounds, Mary, a determined and passionate woman, refuses to let societal obstacles extinguish their love.

The Fifteen Streets
A struggling working-class man in early 20th-century northern England lives with his educated sister in a small house, with their lives intertwined with those of a wealthy family and their intelligent, beautiful daughter.