It's New York, 1920's. David Shayne, an idealistic playwright, searches for funding for his new play. He finally gets the funding he wants, but it is from a gangster, Nick Valenti. David has got...

It's New York, 1920's. David Shayne, an idealistic playwright, searches for funding for his new play. He finally gets the funding he wants, but it is from a gangster, Nick Valenti. David has got to agree to his terms – Nick's girlfriend must have a part in the play. The rehearsals start, and David finds himself fighting "improvement suggestions" of the actors (Helen Sinclair, Warner Purcell), Nick's girlfriend (Olive), and surprisingly – Olive's "bodyguard" – Cheech.