Dutchess County

Washington Irving is a young writer living in New York City in 1809. Charming but superficial, Irving prides himself on his satirical wit. Irving's best friend is the South Carolina-born painter Washington Allston, four years his senior, a more serious man with religious and mystical beliefs. Irving has fallen in love with Matilda Hoffman, the demure daughter of a successful New York lawyer. Mr. Hoffman disapproves of Irving's lack of a “serious” profession and insists that he apprentice to him as a legal assistant if he wishes to court Matilda. This Irving is unwilling to do, and he turns for advice to Allston, who suggests that they take a journey through the Hudson River Valley to find inspiration. During the journey, Irving and Allston encounter a large slice of American society with all its races and religions. Their experiences bring them close to the history and folklore of the young nation—while also conveying eerie premonitions of death. Upon reaching Montreal, Irving receives news that Matilda is dying of consumption. He hurries back to New York in time to witness her last moments. Emotionally shaken, Irving publishes "The History of New York" and struggles to write a collection of tales called "The Sketch Book." He spends time with Rebecca Gratz, a Jewish philanthropist who was Matilda's best friend. She comforts and encourages him. However, the death of Matilda has caused a rift between Irving and Allston. Over Christmas, Irving visits a manor house in England where he meets the author Sir Walter Scott, who further encourages him in his writing. This approval from a European literary authority boosts his confidence. While yet in England, Irving receives news that his brothers' business, which has supported him financially until now, has gone bankrupt. Returning home, he realizes he must now earn a living with his pen and contribute to the family finances. In a fever of inspiration, Irving completes his short story “Rip Van Winkle” in one night, drawing on memories of the people of the Hudson Valley. He sells the first batch of stories, which is a resounding success. Irving continues writing installments of "The Sketch Book." An unsuccessful marriage proposal to Rebecca convinces Irving that he is not destined to find new love but must resign himself to being a bachelor. He recommits himself to his artistic work and finishes the last installment of "The Sketch Book," containing the ghost story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” into which Irving channels his personal demons. Irving has now amassed enough money from sales of "The Sketch Book" to build an ornate residence on the Hudson River, called Sunnyside. No longer feckless and irresponsible, both Irving and his writing now have sentiment and substance. Irving's stories have taught Americans that they have history and traditions worth celebrating. But he is aware that something is still missing from his life... At a public reading at Sunnyside, Irving and Allston reunite and put the past behind them. Irving is startled to learn that Allston has lost his wife to illness. Now united in their common loss, Irving and Allston stroll along the banks of the Hudson discussing future plans.