A town split between the wealthy South Zone gang called 'The Socials' and the poor North Zone gang called 'The Greasers'. Dallas Winston, Ponnyboy Curtis and Johnny Cade from 'The Greasers' befriend the rich Cherry Valance and Marcia in a drive-in. Late one night, a group of 'The Socials' chase and severely beat up Johnny and drown Ponnyboy in a fountain. However Johnny stabs one Socs and kills him, saving Ponnyboy. The desperate boys seek Dallas and he finds a hideout for them in a nearby town. One week later, Johnny and Ponnyboy decide to return to their hometown, with Dallas, to claim the murder as self-defense. But on their way back, they see the church on fire and Ponyboy and Johnny help the children trapped in the church and become heroes. However Johnny is badly wounded and interned in the hospital. Meanwhile The Socs and The Greasers schedule a fight.