
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.

A small-fry extortionist bullies Michael into handing over his milk money on a daily basis.

James buys a gun to protect the family from a rash of crimes in the neighborhood.

The family discovers that the high-paying job James has been offered has one major drawback.

James insists that Florida stay in a private hospital instead of the clinic for a minor operation.