The film follows the story of Connie Doyle (played by Ricki Lake), a young and pregnant woman who finds herself mistaken for the wealthy widow Patricia Winterbourne after a train accident. Connie is taken in by the Winterbourne family, who believe her to be their son’s widow and treat her with kindness and hospitality.
Connie is initially reluctant to reveal the truth about her identity, fearing that she will be kicked out of the Winterbourne household and left homeless. However, as she becomes more attached to the family, especially to Patricia’s husband, Bill (played by Brendan Fraser), Connie struggles with guilt and the fear of losing everything she has gained.
As Connie settles into her new life as Mrs. Winterbourne, she forms a close bond with Bill and begins to develop romantic feelings for him. Meanwhile, she also strikes up a friendship with the real Patricia Winterbourne (played by Shirley MacLaine), who is believed to have died in the train accident but miraculously survived and has been living in obscurity.
As the truth about Connie’s identity threatens to unravel, she must navigate a series of misunderstandings, miscommunications, and romantic entanglements to find her place in the Winterbourne family and win Bill’s heart. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about love, forgiveness, and the importance of being true to oneself.
In the climax of the film, Connie’s true identity is finally revealed, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the Winterbourne family. Despite the initial shock and confusion, the family ultimately accepts Connie for who she is and welcomes her back into their lives with open arms. Connie and Bill confess their love for each other, and they embark on a new life together as a family.
“Mrs. Winterbourne” is praised for its charming performances, witty humor, and heartwarming story of love and redemption. It offers a delightful mix of romance, comedy, and drama, making it an enjoyable and uplifting film for audiences of all ages.