In the mid-1920s in a small rural town in the "southernmost section of the Midwest," a man, Jeff Myrtlebank, returns to life at his own funeral. The townspeople believe that the man must be possessed by a haint (a wandering demon), even though the town doctor declares it was more than likely a medical condition that imitated death. Jeff seems normal enough, yet he has changed: he has suddenly become a hard worker with exceptional strength, and he wants to marry his longtime girlfriend, Comfort. Comfort is loyal, but she is concerned about Jeff's changed personality. As Comfort is about to respond to Jeff's marriage proposal, angry townspeople arrive to confront the demon they believe is possessing Jeff. Myrtlebank makes an inspired speech in which he tells them that they are wrong and have