Dave Hirsh, a hard-drinking novelist, returns to his hometown after being away for a long time. Dave's brother connects him to Gwen French, an English instructor, in an effort to help him settle down. Moody Dave is bitter toward his sibling and spends his time drinking and gambling with a guy named Bama Dillert. Dave becomes increasingly irritated as he is torn between the adoring Gwen and the easy lady who loves him, Ginny Morehead.