In the early 1950s during the height of the Hollywood blacklist era, a down-on-his-luck cashier named Howard Prince stumbles into an unusual opportunity. His friend, Alfred Miller, a blacklisted television writer, asks Howard to submit scripts under his own name, allowing Miller to continue working without detection. Howard reluctantly agrees and soon becomes a successful front, submitting more scripts from other blacklisted writers and earning substantial financial rewards. While he enjoys his newfound prosperity and even develops a romantic relationship with the show's producer, Florence Barrett, Howard remains oblivious to the political and moral implications of his actions.

As Howard's success grows, so does scrutiny from network executives and the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). The investigation into communist activities within the entertainment industry intensifies, putting Howard at risk of exposure. Tension builds as he struggles to keep up the charade while maintaining his principles amid increasing pressure. As the stakes rise, Howard faces difficult choices that test his loyalty to his friends and his own integrity. The unfolding events underscore the personal and societal costs of the blacklist, capturing both the humor and heartbreak of individuals caught up in a contentious era of American history.