The third film adaptation of Thorton Wilder's novel takes place in the 18th century in Lima, Peru. The tragic accident in which the cable bridge of St. Louis the King falls into the abyss, claims 5 lives. Priest Juniper (Gabriel Byrne) goes to the scene of the accident - he wants to learn more about the (seemingly unrelated) lives of the victims and, based on the information found, judge whether it was God's intention or really just an unfortunate accident...