Abbie Polin (Crystal), a New York physician who suffers a heart attack, travels to Los Angeles to meet his father, Abe (Lord), who works in Hollywood as the "king of the extras." For some years, their relationship has been strained. This was Henry Winkler's directorial debut, and the most of the picture was shot at the MGM Studios in Culver City, California, just a few miles from Hollywood. Lisa, Abbie's romantic interest, also pays a visit and bonds with Abe, who is famed for getting along with everyone except his son. Abe begins to have memory loss and is eventually diagnosed with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. He and his son develop a bond over time, and Abbie attempts to secure Abe a speaking role in a film before it's too late.