Two FBI agents investigating the murder of civil rights workers during the 60s seek to breach the conspiracy of silence in a small Southern town where segregation divides black and white. The younger agent trained in FBI school runs up against the small town ways of his partner, a former sheriff.

Gene Hackmanas Agent Rupert Anderson
Willem Dafoeas Agent Alan Ward
Frances McDormandas Mrs. Pell
Brad Dourifas Deputy Clinton Pell
R. Lee Ermeyas Mayor Tilman
Gailard Sartainas Sheriff Stuckey
Stephen Tobolowskyas Townley
Michael Rookeras Frank Bailey
Pruitt Taylor Vinceas Lester Cowens
Badja Djolaas Agent Monk
Peter Biziou