Turner, a black American soldier, is given three days leave in Paris. Not knowing what to do with himself, he goes to a nightclub where he meets a French girl named Miriam. Their romance blossoms, but their love affair is darkened by Turner's impending departure and the specter of racial prejudice.

The movie follows Ewan. He is living with his Aunt and her family in Livermore for the summer before he goes to college. He is a hard-working and ambitious, wanting to go to college to study journalism. The story begins with Ewan interviewing members of the community. It's difficult because he is trying to get used to a new and uncomfortable hearing aid that he is obligated to wear. He attends a house party where he is introduced to many people, including a beautiful young lady that fascinates him. He struggles and is overwhelmed by the loud environment, but stands out as a local hero when the host is injured in a kitchen accident. Ewan begins a project to achieve his goals by interviewing members of the Livermore community. He talks to a variety of people, learning about the various struggles and passions of older generations and the points of view of the younger. But he faces troubles that he didn't expect and that put his ambitions to the test.