In 1956, in Defiance, Ohio, Evelyn, a housewife, uses the strategy of entering jingle-writing contests to support her large family of ten children with an alcoholic husband, Kelly. Despite Kelly's job as a machinist, money is tight due to his drinking habits. When faced with eviction, Evelyn's jingle-writing skills prove fortunate as they win $5,000, allowing them to buy a house. Kelly insists on signing the papers alone, causing tension with Evelyn, who feels undervalued for her contributions.