Over 200 people were accused, 19 executed during the trials. Most accused died in prison, possibly from torture and starvation. Spectral evidence was later discredited and not accepted in court
Film follows two brothers in 1950s Illinois town Haley. Brothers J.C. and Doug Holt are raised by single mother. Their father Charlie died in lake accident over patent bet. Wealthy Abbott family owns three daughters: Alice, Eleanor, and Pamela