Deaf youngster Jonah Corelli (Jeffrey Bravin) was tragically misdiagnosed as mentally retarded when he was a boy, leading to years of frustration for both Jonah and his parents (James Woods and Sally Struthers). When the boy's abilities are recognized, Jonah's world opens as he learns sign language. Jonah's struggles to make himself understood provide an affecting, heart-rending family drama with an important message.