Joe Larriby, nearly eighteen, is the son of a minister in a small town. He's always been regarded as Holy Joe by the other kids - studious and devout, a choirboy.and a bit of a loser. This particular year, however, he's had a growth spurt and become suddenly more dashing. He attracts the attention of the beautiful and headstrong Amy Hubank and is pursued to pledge by the high school's illegal fraternity. Joe becomes involved in some very amusing - and frightening - episodes in the process of discovering his own individuality and learning about loyalty.