By accident, the content of a computer encyclopedia is transferred into the brain of Dexter Riley, a less than average college boy. Because of his newly acquired knowledge he competes in a quiz show between various universities, where he sweeps all the points. A wiz kid from another university finds out about his cheated wisdom and does everything to discredit Dexter.

The movie was made for the US cable network and supposedly there will be no chance to see it, for instance, in German theaters or TV. It is based on a classic novel by Carson McCullers. The plot centers around Frankie (Anna Paquin), a twelve year old girl growing up without a mother and with her father not being able to comprehend too much of her problems. The only person trying to understand her is the colored cook Bernice Sadie Brown (Alfre Woodard). While Frankie does not really know what she wants and expects for her life, she definitely knows what she does not want: To stay in that kitchen in that small town with that boring life. Thus, as her brother marries, it is her final decision to go with him and his wife to find a better life. Unfortunately, the two newly-married do not find it a good idea to take Frankie with them...