In 1965, Tulsa (Oklahoma) is divided into two social spheres reflected in the rival gangs of the city — on one side, the Greasers, youths from the working class, and on the other, the Socs, affluent teenagers. The encounters between the two groups are marked by stand-offs until one night the violence escalates. This unfiltered coming-of-age story has a cast of actors who would become big names in the industry — Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Tom Cruise and Diane Lane. The film also features a brief appearance by Tom Waits.