This story of a run-down San Francisco bar patronized by a group of lovable eccentrics is based on William Saroyan's Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Joe (James Cagney), a philosophical drunk, is joined by born scapegoat Tom, local prostitute Kitty, untalented dancer-comedian Harry, and Kit Carson, a befuddled old man who lives in a dream world. The antics of the bar's costumers are kept in order by Nick, the levelheaded bartender and owner.