Set over two decades, from the grim post war 1950s to the growing affluence of the 1970s, three very different lines are intertwined.Sally Steadman, the indulged, temperamental child of aspiring parents, her heart set on a career in music.Johnny Marshall, the son a back street bookmaker, making his way out of the terraced streets of his childhood at any cost.Alice Spencer, daughter of a controlling father and downtrodden mother, struggling to find her independence.All three are forced to make compromises which change their lives forever.