In the aftermath of World War I, three American soldiers return home, each diverging onto distinct pathways reflecting the tumultuous era of the 1920s. Eddie, a jovial and resilient man, initially seeks honest work but finds the economic downturn and societal changes of the post-war United States unforgiving. He drifts into the lucrative, albeit perilous, world of bootlegging, navigating a life of crime with a mix of charm and daring. George, on the other hand, possesses a colder, more calculating demeanor, choosing to align with the criminal underworld in a bid for power. Lloyd, the third of the trio, pursues a righteous path, aiming to uphold the law and maintain moral integrity amidst the growing corruption surrounding him. Their intertwined destinies showcase the complexities and contradictions of the Prohibition era.

As Eddie ascends in the ranks of the underground liquor trade, he encounters Jean, a young woman with aspirations of stage success. Their lives intertwine romantically and professionally, with Eddie’s endeavors to support Jean's career revealing a tender side to his otherwise hardened persona. However, the criminal world is fraught with betrayal, and alliances within are as fickle as they are dangerous. George’s ambition and ruthlessness lead him into direct conflict with Eddie, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown. The personal battles faced by Eddie, George, and Lloyd mirror the societal struggles of their time, capturing the essence of an era marked by glamour, despair, and moral ambiguity.