A turbulent relationship unfolds between Helen and her daughter Jo as they settle into a dreary apartment in a Salford slum. Despite Jo's protests about their new home, Helen insists they have no other options. Their conversations are filled with tensions over Helen's drinking habits, her numerous relationships, Jo's plans to quit school, and the freezing cold, all of which create a web of discontent.

Peter's Unexpected Proposal

Their lives take another twist when Peter, a brazen car salesman, arrives looking for Helen, who has been avoiding him. Surprised to learn of Jo's existence, Peter nonetheless proposes to Helen, undeterred by the revelation of her teenage daughter. Jo serves them coffee, interjecting with sarcastic remarks as Peter shares crude jokes. His proposal hangs in the air as he departs without a definitive answer, leaving Helen to ponder her future while Jo dismisses the idea as absurd.

A Secret Romance

As Christmas approaches, Jo is escorted home by her boyfriend, a sailor of African descent. Although she resists his advances, she agrees to marry him, accepting a modest ring. Concerned about Helen’s reaction to his race, Jo remains indifferent and opts to hide the ring under her clothes. She plans to leave school, work in a bar, and escape her mother's shadow, anticipating a new life of independence.

Confrontations and Revelations

Back at home, Jo confronts Helen with questions about her true birth date and her biological father, but receives evasive answers. Helen’s abrupt announcement of her impending marriage to Peter incites Jo's sarcasm and skepticism. Jo scrutinizes Peter's photographs, mocking their engagement plans and predicting her own solitude during their honeymoon. Their heated exchange culminates in tears as Jo laments her mother's neglect.

Seeking Comfort

Jo’s boyfriend returns, concerned for her wellbeing, and offers comfort. She reveals Helen and Peter's marriage plans and persuades him to spend Christmas with her. Their affection deepens as the scene darkens.

A Mother's Return

Helen later returns with wedding items, noticing Jo’s ring and scolding her for fraternizing with her boyfriend. While entangled in her own wedding preparations, she implores Jo not to jeopardize her future by marrying. Pressed again about her father, Helen admits to a brief liaison with a "sweet but retarded" man. Despite the tension, Jo wishes Helen well on her honeymoon.

New Beginnings

By early summer, Jo, now visibly pregnant, shares her home with Geoff, an art student ousted from his own apartment. They bond over her drawings and discuss the baby, Jo's choice against abortion, financial concerns, and whether to inform Helen of the pregnancy. Jo firmly decides against telling her mother, jokingly calling the baby's father an African prince. As she drifts to sleep, she finds solace in Geoff’s presence, likening him to a sister.

A Clashing Household

Months pass, and Geoff continues to support Jo, preparing for the baby's arrival despite her aversion to motherhood. He stays out of concern for Jo’s wellbeing, even proposing marriage without a romantic basis, which she declines. Helen’s unexpected arrival disrupts their routine, sparking familiar arguments. When Jo draws parallels between their moral standings, Helen lashes out, but Geoff’s intervention is futile as Helen drives him away. Calmer, she offers Jo money, only to face rejection of her belated maternal affection. Peter’s drunken entrance escalates tensions, leading to a bitter exchange and his reclaiming of the money.

An Uncertain Future

As the due date approaches, Geoff busies himself with cleaning while Jo expresses anxiety. Reassured by his company, she compares him favorably to Helen, acknowledging their similarities. When Geoff gifts her a doll, she rejects it for its color, finally revealing Jimmie as the baby's father. Geoff repeats his marriage proposal, but Jo remains noncommittal. Helen's arrival signals another upheaval as she criticizes Geoff's efforts and sends him away. Alone, Helen confesses Peter's departure for a younger woman, asserting her intent to stay, but her presence only prompts Geoff's permanent exit.

Jo awakens, calling for Geoff, and candidly tells Helen about the baby’s race. Helen’s horrified reaction leads to her departure, leaving Jo to bravely sing one of Geoff's nursery rhymes as she watches her mother walk away.