Nicky Brick has suffered abuse her whole life. Doted on by her father but tyrannised by her mean (but beautiful) mother, Nicky has been away for a long time after her mother died. Horribly. Enter friendly neighbor Jim Kennington, a charming but awkward lad, good with his hands and very thoughtful. Could this be a chance for Nicky's run of bad luck to end? A chance to turn over a new leaf? Nicky's mental stability is what this film swings on and the audience is left guessing right up to the end. Is she a psychotic killer or just an unfortunate waif looking for love. Is Jim in mortal danger? What happened to Smokey the cat?