Val Waxman is a one-time cinematic genius down on his luck. Luckily, he receives a script for a period noir set against the backdrop of 1940s New York City. His ex-wife has managed to convince a high-powered studio head, to take a chance on Val's "unique vision." Just when the cameras are ready to roll, however, Val finds that unique vision in jeopardy -- literally -- as he's struck with a psychosomatic case of blindness. When efforts to cure him fail, Val contrives a scheme to forge ahead with the picture, for fear of blowing his one last chance at greatness.