The planned community of New Granada, Colorado offers little to entertain the teens. Richie (Matt Dillon) acts as something of a leader to the other teens who are bored in the town. The kids’ sole source of fun is a recreational center, but that closes every evening at six, so some of the kids resort to petty vandalism. They are frequently harassed Sgt. Doberman (Harry Northup). As a result of the vandalism, the authorities impose a curfew. There are plans to shut down the rec center to make way for commercial development. During a town hall meeting where the adults have congregated to discuss the escalating problems caused by the teenagers, several of the teens lock the doors and initiate a mini-riot.