Tells the story of Harv Beckman, a used car salesman in a trashy part of town who accidentally comes in to possession of a rare 1948 Kaiser automobile, which leads to some disturbing revelations about the facts behind the 1948 Vanport, Oregon flood which destroyed an entire city. Portland, Oregon is the backdrop of this film that explores racism, greed, and class in a very corrupt city. Throw in the local Kiwanis Club and you have a very odd unpredictable film.

When maladjusted orphan Jesse vandalizes a theme park, he is placed with foster parents and must work at the park to make amends. There he meets Willy, a young Orca whale who has been separated from his family. Sensing kinship, they form a bond and, with the help of kindly whale trainer Rae Lindley, develop a routine of tricks. However, greedy park owner Dial soon catches wind of the duo and makes plans to profit from them.

Small town America, 1945. The boys are coming home, as is Clarence Laidlaw who served overseas in lieu of serving time in prison. Chaos and confusion greet Clarence upon his return - his pre-war moonshine activities and absence have embittered his teenage son, split apart his family, and alienated the small town. Moreover, his conniving sister-in-law conspires with the crooked sheriff to prevent a family reconciliation. In attempting to stabilize his family, and in seeking to punish the conspirator who brought him before the law, Clarence almost destroys both the town and his family. But sanity, love and music conquer all, and family and town are reunited.