
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.

Everything seems to be coming up roses for the Evanses until all the good plans run into snags.

J.J. is destroyed by a blow to his ego when he can't get a date with Thelma's classmate.

The FBI shows up at the Evanses' asking a lot of questions about Florida's cousin Cleatus.

Thelma locates her grandfather and invites him home for her dad's birthday.