Tom Jones was abandoned at birth and doesn’t know who his father is. When Sophia, his rich, bright, beautiful neighbour, falls into his arms, Tom can’t help but fall in love. But her irascible grandfather, his adoptive father, and a scheming cousin, all unite to conspire against the match.
Cast out of Paradise Hall in disgrace, Tom heads for London. On the eve of her wedding to wicked Blifil, Sophia runs away from home in pursuit of Tom. Tom learns that Sophia escaped marriage just as Sophia learns that Tom spent the night in the arms of the worldly Mrs Waters. Heartbroken, Sophia heads for London to find a new life, with Tom in pursuit.
All hope of love with Sophia now seemingly lost, Tom is seduced by the charms of her aunt, the beguiling, dangerous Lady Bellaston. Wanting no rival for Tom’s affections, Lady B persuades an eligible bachelor to woo Sophia by any means necessary. Squire Western rescues Sophia in the nick of time, but only to ensure she marries Blifil.
Tom resolves to win back Sophia’s heart, but Sophia resolves never to marry anyone. Lady Bellaston takes her revenge on Tom by revealing their affair to a heartbroken Sophia. Tom is jailed for wounding Fitzpatrick in an unprovoked fight. A chance encounter starts to unravel a tangle of secrets – but will the truth out in time to save Tom from the gallows?