After witnessing the accidental murder of his mother's lover by his father, young Tommy is so traumatized that he loses his ability to speak or to care about life. As his life meanders on in post World War II England, he suffers abuse from sadistic relatives and neighbors. Tommy's life is saved, however, when he falls in love with pinball. He becomes such an expert at the game that he rises to the stature of an international superstar and inspires youth around the world.