In Gary, Indiana, Tony Amatto is happy to follow in his immigrant Italian father's footsteps by working in the local steel mill, until he receives a full scholarship to attend Yale, which belies that he is known more within his social circle for his brawn. Tony expects his college experience to be solely focused on academics, but he is encouraged by one of his professors to get as much out of his time in New Haven by partaking in social activities as well. This ends being easier said than done as Tony has a bit of a chip on his shoulders - which sometimes is well justified - and some with power do wield that power to shun Tony. Primary within that latter category is big man within his class Tom Stone, as Tom both looks down on Tony's blue collar background and sees Tony as a rival, most specifically on the football field and for the affections of females, namely Tom's girlfriend Barbara Winston. But Tony is more interested in Rosalie, who happens to be Tom's sister, which adds its own challenges in a Tony/Rosalie happy ending. All of these factors lead to an up and down Yale experience for Tony over his four year higher education.
—Huggo