Song Hawkins is a beautiful, tough, but lonely New York City businesswoman who thinks she's met the man of her dreams in Cable Jordan, the superintendent of a West Virginia coal mine.  But soon after they impulsively marry during a romantic holiday, Song realizes they're in big trouble.  She can't imagine life outside of New York, and Cable has no intention of leaving Highcoal.  Song's visit to the little mining community to meet its quirky citizens only makes things worse and it looks like the marriage is over.  But in a shocking turn of events, Song realizes it's up to her to put on the red helmet of the new coal miner and descend into the deep darkness to make a life-changing sacrifice for both Cable and the entire town.