Colleen McCullough

Tim (Mel Gibson) is a young man with below average intelligence. After he begins to work at his friend Mary's house, people become suspicious of their growing relationship and accuse Mary of taking advantage of Tim's innocence.

Tim -- Mary Horton, a lonely middle-aged American career woman, hires a handsome, mildly retarded young handyman named Tim. At first keeping her distance, Mary is drawn closer to Tim as time passes. When Tim's mother dies, Mary becomes his surrogate mother, a relationship that deepens into romantic love. Tim's older sister resents Mary's 'intrusion' into their lives, but his Ron blesses the relationship, realizing that it is beneficial to both parties.

Mary Horton, a lonely middle-aged American career woman, hires a handsome, mildly retarded young handyman named Tim. At first keeping her distance, Mary is drawn closer to Tim as time passes. When Tim's mother dies, Mary becomes his surrogate mother, a relationship that deepens into romantic love. Tim's older sister resents Mary's "intrusion" into their lives, but his Ron blesses the relationship, realizing that it is beneficial to both parties.

Mary Horton, a lonely middle-aged American career woman, hires a handsome, mildly retarded young handyman named Tim. At first keeping her distance, Mary is drawn closer to Tim as the days pass. When Tim's mother dies, Mary becomes his surrogate mother, a relationship that deepens into romantic love. Tim's older sister Dawn resents Mary's "intrusion" into their lives, but Tim's dad Ron blesses the relationship, realizing that it is beneficial to both parties.