The Zookeeper

It is 1953, a small city in Tennessee. Robert Baker is a struggling young lawyer married to Margaret. He learns that Catherine, whom he once loved with a flaming passion, is divorcing her husband and returning home. Catherine is the daughter of the town's wealthiest and politically formidable family, that is ruled by class-conscious matriarch Judith Mercedes Flannigan, who has determined that her daughter will not resume the torrid romance she and Baker had thirteen years before, and which she ended by marrying her daughter to a socialite in Memphis. Catherine's brother, Judge Madison Flannigan, requests that Baker agree to have no contact with Catherine when she returns, a request that Baker on principle refuses. This refusal causes a torrent of oppression, clandestinely orchestrated by Mrs. Flannigan. A bully is sent to beat him up; his office lease is canceled; his wife, Margaret, receives threats that their home will be torched; and, worst of all, Robert is threatened with a suspension or revocation of his all-important, priceless license to practice law. Baker is tormented and torn by fiery memories of his wonderful love affair with Catherine, and the catastrophic ending. Tormented and torn by what it might do to his marriage ... and to his fledgling career as a lawyer. Catherine returns for her father's funeral ... as beautiful as ever. Their dormant love is rekindled. Robert learns from her ex-husband, as well as her brother, of Catherine's sexual appetite and improprieties.... Now, she is back ... calling him. Will he go to her and that fiery passion, or will he remain with completely adoring Margaret....