The movie details a town split between a wealthy South Zone gang 'The Socials' and a poor North Zone gang, 'The Greasers'. Dallas Winston, Ponnyboy Curtis and Johnny Cade from 'The Greasers' befriend the rich Cherry Valance and Marcia in a drive-in. Later that night, a group of 'The Socs' chase and beat up Johnny and attempt to drown Ponnyboy in a fountain. However, Johnny stabs one Soc and kills him, saving Ponnyboy. The desperate boys seek Dallas who finds a hideout for them in a nearby town. One week later, Johnny and Ponnyboy decide to return to their hometown, with Dallas, to claim the murder as self-defense. But on their way back, they see the church on fire and Ponyboy and Johnny help the children trapped in the church and become heroes. However Johnny is badly wounded and in hospital. Meanwhile The Socs and The Greasers prepare to fight.