A Polynesian street-kid and a much older middle-class  housewife are both incarcerated in the same mental hospital - she  for attempted suicide and he for habitual crime. A friendship  grows between them such that she offers him a place to stay upon  his release. However, difficulties arise with his continued  criminal activities and dependence on her for support - then his  gang moves in with them. The film is based upon Sue McCauley's  award winning autobiographical novel.