This film marks John Cassavetes's directorial debut. Benny (Ben Carruthers) is enmeshed in Manhattan's beat scene. His sister, Lelia (Lelia Goldoni), whose light skin sets her apart from her black siblings, is about to fall deep in love. Hugh (Hugh Hurd), their older brother, is a singer whose agent is the only one with faith in his talent. Lelia meets Tony and hopes it's true love, but when Tony meets Hugh, prejudice makes him run.