In 1961 Long Island, adolescent Alice Bloom worships Sheryl, the teenager from across the street, who always has a succession of boyfriends. Alice even tries copying Sheryl’s perfume and her taste in music, but her idol is unaware, since Alice has never spoken to her. It is only when Sheryl’s father dies suddenly, and she embarks on a romance with sensitive bad-boy Rick, that Sheryl and Alice become friends. Rick is considered bad news by the adults in the community, but Alice helps Sheryl by protecting the couple, and nurturing their relationship.

In her first film role, Katherine plays the similarly named - Kathryn.