Four teenaged girls--without much help from their parents--attempt to grow up in Southern California's San Fernando Valley. Jodie Foster gives an extraordinary performance as Jeanie, the girl with the most "smarts," the most levelheaded. Jeanie must deal with the problems of the other three: Annie (Cherie Currie), a burnt-out former hooker with a crazed father; Madge (Marilyn Kagan), an overweight, miserable and lonely girl who has been pampered by her parents; and Deirdre (Kandice Stroh), who is a compulsive liar, flirtatious and confused. Director Adrian Lyne explores the four girls' discovery of friendship and self-discovery with understanding and discernment. In supporting roles are Scott Baio, Sally Kellerman, Randy Quaid, Lois Smith and Laura Dern. Co-produced by David Puttnam.