Neil Hendry is at a transitional period in his life. He has been made temporary guardian of his nephew, Eric, whose parents died in an automobile accident. Neil feels guilty because he was driving the car. The accident also resulted in Neil sustaining a leg injury which ended his promising college football career. He has left thoughts of football behind him. Neil has to display to the authorities that he is responsible enough to be awarded permanent custody of Eric. He has just been appointed to his first teaching post at Harrison High as the American History teacher. Principal Donlon hired Neil despite their differences in teaching outlook, with Principal Donlon taking a straightforward academic approach, and Neil taking a more humanistic approach. Neil feels that no student is irredeemable, if one really gets to know them as a person. Troubled student Griff Rimer, who is holding some information over good student Ann Gregor, may be a good test case. But some otherwise good students may also require a sympathetic teacher's ear to keep out of trouble.
—Huggo