Set in 1920s New York City, this movie tells the story of idealistic young playwright David Shayne. Producer Julian Marx finds funding for the project from gangster Nick Valenti. The catch is that Nick's girlfriend Olive Neal gets a psychiatrist's part, and Olive can be actually a bimbo who could never pass for a psychologist as well as being truly a actress. Agreeing to the very first undermine is the very initial step to Broadway's complete charm of David, who neglects partner Ellen. Meanwhile, the David places up the man who is just a compulsive eater, using Warner Purcell, Helen Sinclair along with Cheech, Olive's interfering hit man / bodyguard. The playwright must decide whether your art or life is far essential.