Donald Campbell [The Bay Boy, 1984]

The Bay Boy plot

In 1937, 16-year-old Donald Campbell struggles with his devout mother’s wish for him to become a priest, though he is more preoccupied with girls and resisting the trauma of a priest’s attempted abuse. He works alongside his father in a bootlegging operation, cares for his disabled older brother Joe, and develops a crush on Saxon Coldwell, daughter of the widowed Sergeant Coldwell. Donald’s life takes a dark turn when he witnesses Sergeant Coldwell murder their Jewish landlords. Despite the police chief’s familial ties, Donald lies about the killer’s identity, fearing retaliation. Coldwell later confronts Donald during a visit with his daughter Dianna, violently disciplining both teens. When Donald threatens to expose him, Coldwell pursues him in a deadly chase, leading to his arrest for murder, abuse, and attempted murder. Amid these events, Donald grows close to Mary, a studious classmate, and they share a mutual attraction. However, their relationship remains complicated and fades as the Coldwell family moves away. Donald, now resolved to abandon priesthood, prepares for college—a choice his mother reluctantly accepts. This version removes explicit content, emphasizing Donald’s emotional struggles, fractured relationships, and the central crime narrative while adhering to content guidelines.