Theyearis1942,andArchieGlassIstryingtogetintoHollywood.Hischancecomesasheisofferedajob:FindayoungwhitemoviestarbeforethepressreportsthatsheismissingandhewillhaveashotathisHollywooddream.ThusbeginsajourneyintoaLosAngelesyouhaveneverseenbefore,theactorswhoplaythemaids,thebusboys,thebackgroundactorsinjunglefilms,allspringintotheforegroundinthisdramaticnoiraboutamanwillingtodoanythingtomakehisdreamcometrue.ArchiesearchesthebackalleyofHollywoodanddiscoversmoreliesthantruth.Ultimatelyhefindsthewomanheislookingforandthedarkrealityofbeingablackmanintinseltown.