Fresh out of Glasgow Veterinary College, James Herriot follows his dream to become a vet in the magnificent Yorkshire Dales. He soon discovers that treating the animals is as much about treating their owners, and the Dales' farmers are a tough crowd to please. At Skeldale House James gets to know his newly formed dysfunctional family; his chaotic and erratic boss Siegfried Farnon, his wayward brother Tristan and the shrewd housekeeper Mrs. Hall who is endlessly steering the ship. When local farmer's daughter Helen Alderson attracts James' attention, he finds another, more enduring reason to stay in the Dales.