Part I: Chapters 1 and 2

Plot:

Story begins at VE Day celebration at the school where elder son of a German immigrant, Rudy Jordache is a student. Younger brother, Tom, is also in attendance, but leaves when it is too "corny" for him and his friend. Tom gets into a fight with a soldier and later sneaks home through a window. Julie (Rudy's girl), wants to get married but will settle for "living in sin" with him in New York while she tries for an acting career. Rudy, however, has applied for a grant to Whitby College. They meet Mr. Boylan, who is her mother's boss, and it's quite obvious he is taken ...