Tim Shepard returns from prison and is tempted to take a job offer from two men he met in the joint.

The Greasers and Socs beat up a black student dating a girl who dumped Soda, who can keep quiet and take the blame—or talk, and take it from his "friends."

A desperate Darrel joins a group of laborers, unaware he's crossing a picket line formed by Tim's union. Ponyboy sees the good life as he tutors a track star.