Mickey Smith

An awkward young farm boy undergoes a profound and painful rite of passage in Michael Burke's masterful drama of nascent sexuality and friendship. Ridiculed for his love of animals (his best friend is a chicken), the boy's acceptance by his peers requires a stunning choice.

In 1957 Brooklyn, small-time mobster George and his sidekick Dip realize they've forgotten the birthday of mob boss Joey, so they engage the services of prostitute Glorice. Joey's reaction to Glorice gives George a promotion, and he's installed as Joey's assistant. George makes the discovery that gender-bent Glorice is not exactly a woman after all. The problem gets worse: Joey intends to marry Glorice, but she plans to blackmail him after the wedding.

In true 1950's educational film style we watch as high school boy Johnny wrestles with a terrible secret. Johnny is a closeted-heterosexual. What will his dads do when they discover he's only pretending to be like everyone else.