Frankie Machine is released from prison. A former drug addict, he became clean in prison. With a set of drums, he returns to his old neighborhood hoping to start a new life as a drummer with a big band. He runs into Molly, an old flame, who encourages him to pursure his dream. With his former drug dealer Nifty Louie pushing Frankie to get back on drugs, Frank succumbs. Molly convinces Frankie his only out  is to go cold turkey. Molly locks Frankie in her apartment as he goes through the grueling process of withdrawl. Frankie realizes he has someone special in Molly and he’s determined to get clean, no matter what it takes.