Tommy, a self-styled cowboy, is shocked to discover a communist newspaper, The Daily Worker, amongst the papers at a paper drive. Taking Senator McCarthy's lead, Tommy investigates.  Fear of communism takes hold of everyone when Tommy frames a local shop owner. Under the misguided belief that he is doing the right thing, Tommy bullies others, spiraling out of control as his abusive mother's mental condition worsens and his guilt over an injury sustained by his sister eats at him.