어린 시절 어머니를 여읜 엘라는 새엄마와 그녀의 두 딸과 함께 살게 된다. 무역상인 아버지마저 타지에서 돌아가시자 새엄마와 의붓 언니들은 엘라를 재투성이라는 뜻의 신데렐라라고 부르며 온갖 구박을 일삼는다. 항상 착한 마음씨와 용기를 가지라는 엄마의 유언을 지켜나가던 엘라는 숲 속에서 왕궁의 견습생이라는 키트를 만난다. 왕궁에서 무도회가 열리자 엘라는 키트를 만날 생각에 부풀지만, 새엄마는 엘라의 드레스를 찢어버린다. 상심에 빠져 울고 있던 엘라는 거지 여인으로 분장한 요정 대모를 만나는데...
Out of work actor Joe volunteers to help try and save his sister's local church for the community by putting on a Christmas production of Hamlet, somewhat against the advice of his agent Margaretta. As the cast he assembles are still available even at Christmas and are prepared to do it on a 'profit sharing' basis (that is, they may not get paid anything) he cannot expect - and does not get - the cream of the cream. But although they all bring their own problems and foibles along, something bigger starts to emerge in the perhaps aptly named village of Hope.
After inheriting a large country estate from his late father, Peter invites his friends from college: married couple Roger and Mary, the lonely Maggie, fashionable Sarah, and writer Andrew, who brings his American TV star wife, Carol. Sarah's new boyfriend, Brian, also attends. It has been 10 years since college, and they find their lives are very different.
A successful lawyer struck with blindness in middle age continues his battles in the courtroom with the assistance of his family. As his son deals with bitter memories of their relationship, he also seeks his father's respect and love and in the process learns to love in return.
