The imminent homecoming of rock star Roxy Carmichael sends the good folks of her small Ohio hometown into a frenzy of preparation. Among those anxiously anticipating this joyous reunion are Denton, Roxy's old boyfriend (Jeff Daniels) and Dinky (Winona Ryder), a troubled teen who is obsessed with the notion that Roxy is her natural mother. The town fathers are preparing a welcome. The town mothers are trying to spruce up. The high school band is practicing a fanfare, and Dinky's getting ready to leave.