It is November, 1937, and teenager Richard Samuels dreams of making it on Broadway. One day he runs into Welles, years before Citizen Kane but already a famous New York dramatist. With his new Mercury Theatre troupe as his instrument, Welles plans to mount a production of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar that will shake the foundations of American stagecraft. But he needs a bit player. Young Richard impresses him with his bravado and his singing voice – he's hired. Like a moth to a flame, Richard seeks the approval of the quick-tempered director, but soon finds himself distracted by Welles's girl Friday, Sonja.