At the dawn of the Space Race, seven test pilots set out to become the first American astronauts to enter space. However, the road to making history brings momentous challenges.

Finnerty can't get work, he's been evicted, and his wife is unfaithful. As he drives into the hills, he gets a flat. A "helpful" stranger turns out to be an armed robber. Apples kills his assailant in self defence and switches identities with him, escaping his own disastrous past. Unfortunately, his new identity is in hot water with the mob. Despite a bright new love interest, Apple looks like a two-time loser until a crime boss creates a surprise ending!