Due to a bureaucratic foulup, peacetime U.S. Navy sailor John J. Baggs (Caan) is left in limbo, with no assignment and no pay. While he tries to get it all sorted out, he becomes involved with a pool hustler/prostitute named Maggie (Mason). He falls in love with her, despite her having an 11-year-old biracial son (Doug, played by Calloway). In fact, he begins to bond with the initially hostile boy, even arranging to get his teeth fixed, courtesy (unofficially) of a Navy dentist.
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Though Maggie has strong feelings for Baggs and knows he is good for her, she eventually abandons both him and Doug and heads for New Orleans. Baggs finally gets his new assignment, but arranges for retired sailor Forshay (Eli Wallach) to take his place, while he and Doug take off after Maggie.
Best part of story, including ending:
It's a sweet love story, with believable characters.
Best scene in story:
It's been too long since I last saw the movie, but maybe the uncomfortable scene when Baggs first meets Doug.
Opinion about the main character:
Baggs accepts Maggie, with all her problems.
