In modern day Los Angeles, writer Paul Verlaine invites young provocating poet Arthur Rimbaud into the home of his step-family, losing interest in his wife as he becomes infatuated with the boy.

In 1963, living a routine life on Norma Place in Los Angeles, recluse writer Dorothy Parker and bisexual husband Alan Campbell recall their often-rocky relationship, started thirty years earlier.

Shakespearian actress Cordelia Coventry is about to give up on her career when she is chosen by director Bruce Rapport to become the star of a national ad campaign for Sudzall washing powder.