Greasers, rockers, different place, different name; but wherever they are, they're the outsiders, the rough, tough, long-haired boys from the 'other' side of town, with little hope of Mustangs, madras shirts and the 'good' things of American life.

Their story is told by Ponyboy, a greaser with good reason to fear the lucky boys in Mustangs, and a witness to the savage baiting that leads his best friend to manslaughter.

More than a story of hatred and violence, also a story of loyalty and friendship as teenagers of the urban slums search for personal dignity and a place in the world.