A young woman named Polly leaves behind her affluent lifestyle in Chelsea and moves to the working-class neighborhood of Battersea, seeking a more authentic existence. She takes up a job at a local candy factory, where she befriends sisters Rube and Sylvie. Through these friendships, Polly becomes immersed in the local culture and experiences a life starkly different from her privileged upbringing. She attends local dance halls, work parties, and gets involved with the community, forming a romantic relationship with Peter, a working-class boy whose life is filled with struggles and stark realities that Polly had never encountered before.

As Polly's relationships deepen, she becomes more aware of the social and economic disparities that define her new environment. Her interactions and growing intimacy with Peter expose her to the harshness, resilience, and camaraderie among Battersea's residents. However, the stark contrast between their worlds eventually leads to tensions and conflicts, challenging Polly's ideals and dreams of assimilating into a wholly different way of life. She reaches a crossroads where she must confront the realities of her choices and the impact they have on those around her.