The escaped mental patient and delinquent John W. Burns Jr. replaces Dr. Maitlin on a radio show, saying he's the psychiatrist Lawrence Baird.

Mike, a college student, makes an impassioned anti-war speech on campus, which is carried on live television, causing a storm of controversy. His girlfriend leaves him, but he finds himself attracted to her roommate Lee, and they fall in love. He must choose between his love for Lee and his dedication to the anti-war cause.