In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Phil Fuller, the most intelligent student in his West Mesa High School class, takes better care of his attractive young mother Betty than she takes care of herself or him. Even though Phil is a brilliant student, he is often at odds with his teachers and school administrators for making wisecracks or mocking comments in class or, in the case of English teacher Mallory, challenging his opinions. As a former gifted student himself, Mallory recognizes Phil's brilliance, but thinks that Phil takes life too lightly. Phil, a popular student, especially with girls, is on a constant quest to "make it" with as many females as possible, and tutors his equally lustful, though less successful, friend Wilkie on the art of getting girls.