The year is 1973. While on business in Japan, American inventor and businessman Joel Spira is bestowed with a gift of the legendary fruit. Mr. Spira is enchanted with its incomparable flavor, but upon returning home, he finds it difficult to obtain the fruit. Undaunted by a challenge (he invented the electronic dimmer and founded Lutron Electronics, Co., Inc.), he endeavors to grow his own Asian pears at home.