Plot
On Cape Breton Island in 1937, 16-year-old Donald Campbell's mother wants him to continue his education after high school and become a priest, but Donald is more interested in girls. He is also frightened after a visiting priest attempts to molest him.
When not in school, Donald spends his time helping his father dig a bootleg pit; helps care for his older brother, Joe, who was the brightest boy in his grade until he got sick and was left disabled; and pursues Saxon Coldwell, one of two daughters of police Sergeant Coldwell and his recently deceased wife.
Donald witnesses Coldwell shoot and kill the Jewish couple who are his landlord and landlady. The chief of police is a relative, so Donald feels comfortable admitting that he saw the killing. Out of fear of Coldwell, he says did not see who did it. Coldwell subsequently lets Donald know he is aware that Donald did see him commit the murders. When Coldwell finds Donald visiting with Saxon's sister Dianna, he hits Donald with his belt and orders him out of the house. Coldwell begins to violently discipline Dianna, causing Donald to say he is going to the police chief to report that Coldwell is the murderer. After a short pursuit, Coldwell catches Donald and tries to kill him; nearby police intercede and arrest Coldwell, and his secrets are revealed.
In spite of his attraction to the Coldwell daughters, Donald eagerly loses his virginity to the sexually experienced Mary, the brightest girl in his class, who seduces him while they are studying. They agree to continue meeting for sex, but this does not lead to a lasting relationship. The Coldwell girls move away, and Donald sadly bids them farewell while preparing to leave home himself to continue his studies. He tells his mother he does not intend to become a priest.
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