In the late 1940s in Hartford, Connecticut, a set of twins is parted at birth.
Nat Cartwright goes home with his parents, a schoolteacher and an insurance salesman. His twin brother is adopted and becomes Fletcher Davenport, the only son of an American multi-millionaire and his society wife.
Unaware the other exists, the brothers grow up and follow different paths, confronted by challenges and obstacles, tragedy and heartache. Nat goes to Vietnam and returns a hero, whilst Fletcher distinguishes himself as a criminal defence lawyer before embarking on a political career.
But when Nat enters politics and both decide to run for governor, the brothers become unwitting rivals, setting off a train of events that will either forge their bond or break it forever . . .