Gene Hackman plays Floyd, a recluse since his wife's disappearance. He used to run a bar with his wife, but business has dwindled since she disappeared and all he does is mourn her daily. He also lives with his father-in-law (Burgess Meredith), who has Alzheimer's disease and uses a wheelchair. Elias plays a local man named Jimmy, who is mentally slow but enjoys Meredith's company.