Jeff is the youngest of six, and his mom and dad neglect and abuse him as a child. Poor, hungry and beaten, he goes to school feeling worthless. He works in his dad’s auto repair shop at 14, builds a fast car that helps his self-image. After high school his parents secretly divorce and sell the house. His mom writes a letter rejecting Jeff. He becomes a drunk, wrecks many cars and motorcycles, even hits a train but survives. Finally, he hears a radio preacher and is saved. He marries Jackie. Before his father dies, Jeff and he are reconciled.