This drama about a backwoods delinquent on parole, who ends up going to college to become a great writer, represents an attempt to unveil Elvis Presley as a straight dramatic actor. He makes a respectable attempt but is not quite good enough, and has no help from an unconvincing plot and script. In the course of the action, which goes on for too long, he is sent to psychiatrist Hope Lange, who discovers and nurtures his hidden writing talent and falls for him; meanwhile, he is two-timing ladylike Millie Perkins and earthy Tuesday Weld. Strangely, this unlikely piece is based on the true story of one Jesse Stuart, a Kentucky hillbilly who became a successful writer.

A troubled young man discovers that he has a knack for writing when a counselor encourages him to pursue a literary career.