In 1959, Truman Capote learns of the murder of a Kansas family and decides to write a book about the case. While researching for his novel In Cold Blood, Capote forms a relationship with one of the killers, Perry Smith, who is on death row.

For years, Johnny Dingle has harbored a seemingly unattainable dream, to win the heart of the town beauty, Missy McCloud. In an act born as much in desperation as devotion, Johnny schemes to pose as a masked thief who holds up the convenience store where Missy works. According to his plan, Johnny prevents the "robbery," saves the day, and convinces Missy to go on a date - all in one heroic gesture. But fate intervenes. Johnny discovers too late that...