Two college students, Ralph and Scott, live in a small minded Maryland town at the onset of wide public dissatisfaction with the Vietnam War. While Scott's brother Alden enlists in the country's armed forces, he and Ralph are outspoken in their opposition to the war. Scott's attitude alienates him from his father and he and Ralph leave town to enjoy their freedom. But when Ralph is expelled from college, he suddenly becomes a prime candidate for serving the country's armed forces. When they learn Scott's brother is declared missing in action, the lifelong friends take drastic - and illegal - measures to ensure Ralph's freedom. This event proves to be the catalyst needed to bridge the gap between father and son and enlightens them both to the true cost of war.