Mischief

In 1956, Gene Harbrough leaves Chicago and moves to Nelsonville, Ohio. He quickly befriends his new neighbor, the shy Jonathan Bellah, and their contrasting personalities spark an unlikely friendship. Gene decides to take Jonathan under his wing and teach him how to attract women.

Gene decides to take Jonathan under his wing and teach him how to attract women. He proclaims he can guide Jonathan to win Marilyn McCauley within a month. The plan to transform Jonathan's social life becomes the central focus of their early friendship.

Jonathan sets his sights on Marilyn McCauley, the town's desired heroine. Marilyn agrees to go out with Jonathan, and they become involved. Gene continues to mentor Jonathan while nurturing his own budding romance with Bunny.

Gene pursues his crush on Bunny Miller, who reciprocates his feelings. He also defends Jonathan and himself from Kenny, the wealthy class bully who resents their meddling with the social order.

Kenny challenges Gene to a center-line chicken with their cars at the drive-in. Neither driver backs down, and both cars are damaged. Gene's father reacts harshly, striking him and grounding him for the escapade.

Jonathan offers steady support to his friend, and Gene begins to return the favor by helping Jonathan build his self-esteem. The two friends reinforce each other's goals as the romance stories unfold.

Marilyn agrees to go out with Jonathan and the two grow closer. Meanwhile Gene and Bunny continue advancing their relationship, and Gene shares his dream of one day owning a horse stable.

An evening scuffle at the local diner, instigated by Kenny, damages the premises. Gene's father responds by kicking him out of the house, accelerating the unraveling of his home life.

Gene has disappeared for weeks and reappears on the night of the prom. He and Jonathan rush to the prom without tuxes, hoping to salvage the night. Marilyn attends with her ex quarterback, and Bunny attends with Kenny.

Outside of town, Gene relocates to Kentucky to work at a horse stable and contemplates bringing Bunny with him. He returns later, hoping she will join him, but uncertainty lingers about whether she will go.

Jonathan tracks down Bunny, and Gene and Bunny reconcile. The couple decides to ride off to Kentucky on Gene's motorcycle, starting a new chapter away from Nelsonville.

Back in town, Jonathan tells Bunny's father that she has left. He confronts Kenny by totaling his car and finally musters the courage to ask out Rosalie, a classmate who has just had braces removed.