Liberty Heights

In the golden hues of autumn in 1954, the Kurtzman family relocates to Forest Park, a charming suburb in northwest Baltimore. This new home provides a backdrop for their lives as they navigate family dynamics and cultural challenges.

Nate Kurtzman operates a successful burlesque theater while secretly managing an illicit numbers racket to boost his income. This dual life exemplifies the struggles and complexities faced by Jewish families during this era.

Ben, a high school senior, forms a romantic bond with Sylvia, an African-American student at his school due to district integration. Their relationship blooms despite the disapproval from Ben's mother and the challenges posed by racial tensions.

As Halloween approaches, Ben chooses to wear a controversial Adolf Hitler costume, shocking his family. This decision leads to a stern confrontation with his family, highlighting the generational and cultural clashes within the household.

Meanwhile, Van and his friends dive into the party scene in gentile neighborhoods, where Van becomes infatuated with a mysterious blonde named Dubbie. His search for her takes unexpected turns as he navigates the nightlife.

At a gathering, tensions arise when a gentile guest makes bigoted remarks, leading to a heated dispute. The night escalates when a drunken reveler, Trey, crashes his car into the house, prompting chaos among the partygoers.

Following the incident with Trey, Van and his friends are called to testify in court. They skillfully avoid placing blame on Trey, which earns them his gratitude and further entangles their lives in the consequences of the night’s events.

Nate's theater faces financial difficulties as he tries to boost profits from the numbers racket. In a desperate move, he introduces a new bonus number, putting him at odds with local drug dealer Little Melvin, leading to escalating tensions.

Sylvia surprises Ben with tickets to see James Brown & The Famous Flames perform. This moment becomes a celebration of their romance, as they stand out among the predominantly African-American audience, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

In a shocking turn of events, Little Melvin kidnaps Ben, Sylvia, and their friends to settle Nate's debts. This dangerous moment forces the characters to confront their fears and the severity of their circumstances.

As the kidnapping situation unfolds, Nate becomes aware of Ben's secret relationship with Sylvia. This revelation adds strain to family dynamics, emphasizing the cultural and societal challenges they face.

The Kurtzman family experiences a bittersweet moment as Ben and Sylvia graduate high school. While Sylvia prepares to attend Spelman College, Ben stays behind to enroll at the University of Maryland, highlighting their differing paths.

As Nate's sentencing approaches, his family members grapple with the imminent separation. A poignant moment occurs when Nate imparts wisdom to his sons, stressing the importance of education and honest living.

As Nate prepares for incarceration, his final act is a tender farewell to Ada, leaving behind a lasting impression on his family. This moment encapsulates love, sacrifice, and the challenges of their intertwined lives.