Greasers, Rockers, different place, different name; but wherever they are, they're 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 in the sixties.

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.