Teenager Henry, fascinated by the local mafia and its power, falls under the tutelage of Jimmy Conway, a respected gangster in Mafia circles. Henry aspires to be like Jimmy, longing for money, respect, and friends. Another young man, Tommy DeVito, is also accepted into the organization. Both easily learn their new responsibilities and the rules of the Mafia. They also become increasingly accustomed to the violence, cruelty, and vast sums of money earned through crime.