Sam Baily (John Travolta) is an out-of-work museum security guard about to make a rash move. Max Brackett (Dustin Hoffman) is a television reporter stuck in a rut of boring, routine stories. While investigating a piece, Max sees an incredible situation unfold as he witnesses a man, Sam, waving a gun at a woman. Max takes advantage of the situation for what he thinks will be the story of his career.