Abandoned at birth, young Tom Jones falls for wealthy Sophia, his neighbor. However, Sophia's abusive grandfather, Tom's adoptive father, and a scheming cousin conspire to keep them apart.

Sophia and Tom's love blossoms despite her arranged marriage to Blifil. Caught kissing, Tom is banished. He flees to London with Sophia in pursuit, abandoning her own wedding plans.

All hope of getting together with Sophia seems lost for Tom, so Tom allows himself to be seduced by her aunt, the beguiling, dangerous Lady Bellaston. And Lady Bellaston doesn't like rivals, so she persuades a bachelor to cure Sophia.

Hopeless, Tom pursues Sophia despite his affair exposed. Jailed for assault, his life hangs in the balance as Lady Bellaston's retaliation unfolds