A look at the work of two stand-up comics, Jerry Seinfeld and a lesser-known newcomer, detailing the effort and frustration behind putting together a successful act and career while living a life on the road.

Art student Jessica and her half-sister model Caroline are told by their wealthy father Mr. Blaine that he has decided to financially cut off both of them. This causes the two women to re-evaluate their lives. Jessica must figure out what is most important to her: family, boyfriend Albert or her studies. Caroline must learn independence for the first time in her life. As Mr. Blaine and his assistant Benton arrive in town to confront Jessica and Caroline, his decision will forever alter their lives and their relationships to one another.

September 11th has left Ellsworth a shell-shocked mess. Not only is he struggling to process his feelings about the event, but he is unable to return to a normal life and his relationship with his live-in girlfriend Eleanor is suffering. After returning to the Manhattan street corner where he witnessed the horrific attack, Ellsworth visits Anne, the woman with whom he is having an affair. His questioning of everything that Americans cherish is met with disinterest by Anne, who leaves to rehearse a fan dance with her burlesque company. Returning home, Anne and Ellsworth are confronted by Eleanor. Unwilling to converse or compromise, Eleanor demands that he instantly choose between them.