Hot Summer in Barefoot County

An undercover U.S. policeman arrives in Barefoot County to bust a suspected moonshine operation. He is warned that locals are uncooperative and that Sheriff Bull Tatum resists outside help. He prepares to operate undercover while the local power structure senses a threat.

The police chief warns Wilson about past failures due to stubborn locals and the county's proud sheriff. Tatum's resistance signals a difficult road ahead for the undercover mission.

The widow Stella Holcomb and her three daughters quietly operate the moonshine business from just outside Tatum's jurisdiction in Red Rock County. Mary Ann, dressed as a man, secretly delivers moonshine to Otis Perkins. The disguise helps her slip past roadblocks set by Sheriff Tatum and his deputy.

Perkins's troublesome sons crash Wilson's car, leaving him unconscious. The Holcomb family finds him and brings him home to recover, offering shelter while he stays undercover. He tells them he is simply looking for work.

To blend in, Wilson stays with the Holcombs and begins working at Perkins's gas station. He continues his undercover observation of the operation while growing closer to Mary Ann. The arrangement lets him maintain cover while the danger from the town's loyalties intensifies.

Culley Joe, one of Perkins's sons, becomes jealous of Wilson and openly clashes with him. The tension between the two men foreshadows trouble for the undercover mission. The family dynamics add risk to the investigation.

One night, the Perkins boys ambush the Holcomb sisters at a swimming hole, a brutal display of loyalty to the family business. Wilson intervenes to protect Mary Ann and the Holcombs, revealing his commitment beyond professional duty. The incident cements his role as her protector.

Wilson later gives Mary Ann his mother's pin to prove his genuine feelings and commitment. Their bond deepens as they navigate love and crime in the same breath. This moment intensifies her doubts about the family business.

Mary Ann privately starts to regret the illegal operation as she sees the toll it takes on others and the community. She questions her role in the family business while still drawn to Wilson. The romance adds inner conflict that complicates the case for both of them.

Sheriff Tatum discovers Nadine's affair with Culley Joe and arranges a shotgun wedding. The personal drama compounds the town's tensions and increases the stakes for everyone involved.

At the afterparty, Wilson leaves to investigate the distillery and is followed by Tatum. He reveals his undercover status and presents his credentials, trying to explain or justify his presence. Tatum asks about the moonshiners' identities, forcing Wilson to navigate loyalty and truth.

Wilson lies to cover for the Holcombs, telling Tatum that they have already been arrested. They then destroy the distillery to end the operation on the night. The truth about his undercover role remains hidden for now.

Tatum publicly announces the discovery of the moonshining operation, angering Mrs. Holcomb and breaking Mary Ann’s heart. Wilson is disgraced and contemplates whether to reveal the truth. He decides not to expose the operation to the police.

Wilson reconciles with the Holcombs and Perkins, resigns his special agent position, and returns to Red Rock County to be with Mary Ann. He secretly helps the family rebuild their distillery, continuing to support them from the shadows. The couple reunites as they plan to move forward despite the costs.