Among Chicanos in Los Angeles, young Alberto lives with the family of Dany, his older brother. Alberto studies at UCLA with the support of Professor Bob. Another young man, Jimy Joe, who lives with his sister Estela, is encouraged to quit drugs at a youth rehabilitation center coordinated by Many. Estela sees Jimy Joe being beaten up by gang members. Disillusioned with a gringa, Alberto meets Estela at a nightclub and becomes her boyfriend. Jimy Joe and his friends are surprised by a gang, and he is the only one left alive after a fierce fight, but with a fractured skull. The operation is very expensive, so Alberto and Many decide to raise funds with a show at the Convention Center. Alberto triumphs there as a composer and singer. Now saved, Jimy Joe dances in the street to one of Alberto's songs with Alberto, Estela, and others.