A down on his luck mechanic sets out to publish his first novel with guidance from eccentric friends.

An unflattering portrait of Ester Breen is unveiled. Walter, Ester's husband, is pleased with the horror of the guests' responses. Peter, Ester's boyfriend, just wants Ester to leave her husband to be with him. Bluster, the painter, is unhappy he is not revered as an artist. Jonathan Heck, art critic for the city paper, is under pressure to complete a review of the new portrait. No one is happy, someone is going to die. Everyone is enraged, fearful and in love.