In South Boston, where Irish roots run deep and Catholic tradition reigns, two brothers face similar hardships but lead far different lives. While older brother Terry descends into drugs and crime, 16-year-old Cole vies to make the state baseball championships - but must struggle to withstand his brother's destructive influence.

Harlem, 1943. Sonny is a struggling African American who frequents the bingo parlor in a desperate attempt to provide for his family in post-Depression era New York.