It's 1953, Coronation Year and everybody is celebrating - Everybody it seems, except Scarlett Smith. In one day, she loses her Mum and her home as well. Now she and her father are adrift in Southend, moving from one grimy rented room to the next - the only happiness for Scarlett is her innocent romance with local boy Tom. Scarlett's once-loving Dad can't hold down a job - or keep off the drink. Scarlett must leave school to work in a factory, just as Tom heads off to do national service. With Tom away, Scarlett's life is bleak, with the only highlight being the dance hall on a Saturday night. There Scarlett forgets her troubles with the lead singer of a rock 'n' roll band - with disastrous consequences.