Aspiring writer Hubbell Gardiner (Robert Redford) and Jewish political activist Katie Morosky (Barbra Streisand) meet at college in the 1930s. Although attracted to each other, a romance does not ensue. However, they meet again during the Second World War, beginning an affair which eventually leads to marriage. But the relationship comes under strain when Katie begins to feel that Hubbell, pursuing his writing career in California, is beginning to sell out. Marvin Hamlisch won an Oscar for his sweeping score.