SYNOPSIS:

Johnny Savage is an expert construction foreman. There are no problems he cannot solve within his trade. Outside his work realm however, he is fraught with a recurring nightmare he never seems to be able to rectify. Johnny continues to rage against an inherited alcoholic gene that pushes his recklessness to many types of extremes. The construction company Johnny works for goes through a change of supervisors. When the former owner retires, his daughter takes over the helm and ownership of company. Johnny saves the day in true protagonist style, but Linda can see his alcohol problem and pushes him towards rehab. Johnny would rather fight then submit to his new bosses demands. Further escalating tensions between them is a contract to build on a garbage dump that Johnny feels is laden with toxic chemicals. Linda needs Johnny to build the complex and he stubbornly fights her on the issue. As they explore the company crisis Linda reveals her pain from Johnny’s snub of her fifteen years ago. After being fired, Johnny relents and enrolls in a thirty-day program at the Stafford Clinic. Once enrolled, Johnny is forced to confront his demons. Which were physical abuse as a child and subsequent tragic death of his father, mother and sister in a car crash. He is also confronted by an ego centric Dr. Kriteman who goes to war with Johnny in an attempt to win the hearts of Johnny’s fellow residents. Johnny’s other resident physician; Dr. Seacat is a kind nurturing professional. She eventually helps Johnny face the cause of his drinking. The groups of six residents share emotional pain as they try and deal with their individual alcoholism. Johnny ever the rebel, uses his own brand of therapy to help his fellow alcoholic comrades. His intuitive nature combined with his quick wit and intellect, keep him one step ahead of Dr. Kriteman's attacks on him an the other patients. During his stay Johnny goes through a painful detox, rebuilding his physical and mental stamina. His former love of architectural deign is awakened as he moves past the subconscious stumbling blocks of his fathers vicious attacks on him and his family. Eventually Johnny and Dr. Kriteman square off. Johnny takes control and prevails in a heated debate in front of the other residents. Johnny leaves the clinic, having crushed the oppressive Napoleonic Dr. Kriteman and having come to grips with the how and why of his drinking problems. Johnny returns home and starts to rebuild his life. His un-kept trailer home is stripped bare until cleaned spotless. The farmhouse he once lived in is now in ruins as he begins to rebuild it. Once again, he is “the man” on the job site, saving the company yet again with expert craftsmanship and know how. Johnny pursues Linda and she finally submits to his charms. As there relationship grows Linda hints of having a family and building on a future. Johnny has still not lain to rest the death of his young sister and balks at the idea of having to face the pain of losing someone so close again. Linda’s desperation mounts to build the “Hammock complex”. She will have to fire workers while the company loses money. Richard at Richmond construction wants to build the Hammock project and help Linda while possibly getting involved with her on an intimate level. Johnny falls in love with Linda but the rift between them on the Hammock project grows until she decides to end their relationship. Johnny falls off the wagon, but is inspired by his brother and the encouragement of his mother and Dr. Seacat’s’ memories. Arriving at the airport before Linda goes to sign the deal with Richmond construction, Johnny pleads his case telling Linda he is ready for a family and the “life”. She in turns him down saying “Good-Bye Johnny Boy”. Johnny sits in his favorite bar and contemplates drinking. In a touching climax Linda arrives like a saving angel and takes him out of the bar away from his former demons. She explains she has come back for the garden Johnny grew for her and for him.

GOOD-BYE JOHNNY BOY