The feud chronicles encounters, hostile and amorous, between members of the Bellers of Hornbeck and Bullards of Millville. The trouble begins when Dolf Beller, on an innocent mission for paint remover, chews an unlit cigar in Bud Bullard's hardware store, where no smoking is allowed. Within 24 hours the store burns down. Dolf's car blows up -- and the feud begins.