In a Midwest city, a meticulously planned jewel heist brings together a diverse group of criminals. Recently paroled mastermind Doc Riedenschneider assembles the team, including down-and-out Dix Handley, corrupt lawyer Alonzo Emmerich, and professional safecracker Louis Ciavelli. Doc's plan is to steal a fortune in jewelry from a store's well-secured vault. The gang faces obstacles along the way, including securing funding and obtaining the necessary equipment without attracting police attention.

The heist unfolds with careful precision, but unforeseen complications arise. The thieves must navigate double-crosses, injuries, and police activity as they try to make their getaway. Loyalties are tested, and tension mounts as each character's true nature is revealed. As the situation grows increasingly dire, the criminals' dreams of a big score start to fracture under the pressure of their realities and weaknesses.