Based on Anne River Siddon's acclaimed novel, the film begins as the winds of change have brought about significant changes at Southern college Randolph University in 1957. The strains of Elvis' music blare from form windows, the role of the sexes is being questioned and the school's first black student is about to be enrolled. Into these times come three unique young women - Ally Sheedy, Virginia Madsen and Phoebe Cates — each of whom must make some difficult decisions on the eve of a changing America.