Sara, a young Jewish seamstress, just shot and killed two men after witnessing the murder of her union organizer brother by Pinkerton Agent Willis. Sara has found refuge in a 1938 Ripley Circus Road Show boxcar, the boxcar of the main road show attraction, Elephant Mary, the largest African elephant in captivity. That night Sara befriends Lincoln Walker, who takes care of Elephant Mary and is a star Negro baseball player who plays on the roadshow baseball team.
The smitten road show owner, Ripley, has decided to hide and protect Sara as the road show train heads south to New Orleans. Ripley's attention towards Sara is not reciprocated as Lincoln and Sara soon become lovers. Lincoln's dream is to leave the
road show and become a professional Negro League baseball player.
Days later, coinciding with the unexpected arrival of Agent Willis, a bizarre accident in the circus parade takes place. Following morning newspaper headlines these three road show freaks, will be put on trial for murder. When found guilty, there will be a ceremonious public hanging of all three, including the African monster, Elephant Mary.