World War II rages overseas, the prestigious Devon prep school holds a summer session for boys trying to graduate before they are drafted. Among the students are two unlikely new roomates - Gene, a quiet, introspective bookworm; and Finny, a carefree and wildly popular athlete. Charmed by Finny, Gene joins him for a series of exciting escapades. But when Gene's grades decline, he suspects that Finny secretly wants him to fail. Fueled by anger and envy, Gene and Finny's relationship reaches a breaking point - exploding in a stunning dramatic moment that changes their lives forever.