In the late 1950s. Jim (David Essex) is now a very bright but bored schoolboy in his final year at the local secondary school. Jim's mother plans that he will do well on his final exams, qualify for university, and have many opportunities open to him. Jim is far less enthusiastic about continuing his education, and prefers drawing, writing poetry, listening to rock n' roll music, and pursuing girls - unsuccessfully. Instead of going with his friend Terry to take his exams, Jim runs away to the coast to work as a deckchair attendant, disappointing and upsetting his mother. He moves on to a barman job at a holiday camp, where he befriends the experienced barman Mike (Ringo Starr). Mike helps Jim hook up with willing women for his first sexual experiences. Jim is also drawn to the music and lifestyle of the resident singer, Stormy Tempest (Billy Fury) and his drummer, J.D. Clover (Keith Moon).