This story explores the study of mental illness during Vietnam, how it affected the youth of a generation and how they deal with it. It takes place between the years 1968-1973 investigating how the US handled mental illness and how society stigmatized those it created, the medications allowed to be administered and those that self medicated. David, a young psychologist meets Matt after the trauma of Vietnam and his search for girlfriend: Bess, he though was home waiting for him. 35 Cents uncovers the perspective of mental deterioration caused by situational trauma.