Story about rival gangs of poor and rich kids in 1960s Oklahoma. The Curtis brothers, Derrel (Patrick Swayze), Sodapop (Rob Lowe), and Ponyboy (C. Thomas Howell), struggle to remain together after their parents' deaths. Greaser friend Dallas (Matt Dillon) helps Ponyboy and troubled friend Johnny (Ralph Macchio) run away after a fight with the rich kids turns deadly.