Jessie is an aging career criminal who has been in more jails, fights, schemes, and lineups than just about anyone else. His son Vito, while currently on the straight and narrow, has had a fairly shady past and is indeed no stranger to illegal activity. They both have great hope for Adam, Vito's son and Jessie's grandson, who is bright, good-looking, and without a criminal past.

A 1982 production of Scott Joplin's American Opera TREEMONISHA preformed at the Houston Grand Opera. The plot centers on 18-year-old Treemonisha, daughter of two ex-slaves who is taught to read, and then leads her community against the influence of conjurers who prey on ignorance and superstition.