In a seedy New Jersey nightclub, gossip turns to murder when the owner Pete hires exotic dancer Danny Lee, who starts up an affair with barfly Ralph, much to the chagrin of his bedridden wife, Luane.

In 1957 Brooklyn, small-time mobster George and his sidekick Dip realize they've forgotten the birthday of mob boss Joey, so they engage the services of prostitute Glorice. Joey's reaction to Glorice gives George a promotion, and he's installed as Joey's assistant. George makes the discovery that gender-bent Glorice is not exactly a woman after all. The problem gets worse: Joey intends to marry Glorice, but she plans to blackmail him after the wedding.