Fred Graham, a faded and somewhat failed actor/producer has decided to try to run a musical version of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. The production is due to open at the Ford Theatre in Baltimore, in a hot steamy June of 1950.

Fred had recruited his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi to play opposite him in the lead roles. She is a modern embodyment of the part which she is set to play, being fast to anger and quick of tongue. She is none too impressed by Lois Lane, a young vamp who has been employed by Fred to play the second female lead for talents other than her acting! To complicate matters further, Lois' boyfriend Bill Calhoun is a compulsive gambleer who has just signed Fred's name on an IOU to the local mob. The naturally send the boys round to collect...............