
Florida and James Evans struggle to raise their kids - irrepressible artist JJ, voice-of-reason Thelma, and politically active Michael - in a Chicago housing project. They have help from wisecracking neighbors, buffoonish building superintendents and friends.

Michael's elderly friend asks to move in with the Evanses for a most unusual reason.

J.J. astounds the family with the news that he plans to marry the "weirdo" of the neighborhood.

J.J. decides to elope without learning some important facts about his bride.

The numbers king of the neighborhood commissions J.J. to paint a portrait.