Plot summary

In 1958, in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, high-school friends David 'Chico' Tyrell, Stanley Rosiello, Butchey Weinstein, and Wimpy Murgalo comprise a gang called the Lords. They are motorcycle driving, smoking, wisecracking, leather jacket and slicked-back-haired troublemakers who often use their fists to solve the problems in their lives. One problem Stanley faces is that he and his girlfriend Frannie Malincanico need to get married. Stanley and Frannie's respective views of marriage are from their immature teen-aged perspectives. Chico has a casual relationship with Frannie's best friend, Annie Yuckamanelli; this changes when WASP Jane Bradshaw transfers into their school. Chico, with a little help from his friends, does everything he can to impress Jane, not always with success.—Huggo