Based on the true story of Jack DiNorscio, a mobster who defended himself in court for what would be the longest mafia trial in U.S. history.

A young filmmaker living in Boston's Italian district, the North End, wants to make a film about the neighborhood. He needs the blessing of a local celebrity, famous for playing gangsters in movies.

Traumatized and suffering from amnesia after witnessing a terrible accident, a man who calls himself P.J. is admitted to a hospital, where psychiatrist Alan Shearson tries to get him on the path to recovery. But Dr. Shearson's boss wants to hand over the patient to the state mental ward, and the man's bitter ex-girlfriend is reluctant to help.