In Vietnam, aspiring actor Johnny Taylor is given a prize film script after saving the life of a Hollywood screenwriter. On his return, Johnny has trouble finding a studio that will let him play the lead until he saves producer Vance Patton's daughter Diane from a cycle-gang attack. The grateful father sends him to agent Mori Thompson, but Thompson wants the script for gang leader Deek Stacy. Deek and his agent feed Johnny LSD and drag him away to the dungeon during the producer's Halloween party.

George Kelly is angry at the world and scared to death of dying. A career bank robber, Kelly gets his confidence from his Thompson SMG and his girl Flo. After a botched robbery, Flo, Kelly and his gang try their hand at a more lucrative job: kidnapping.

1963 film

The escape of Bubber Reeves from prison affects the inhabitants of a small Southern town.

Sam Bowden witnesses a rape committed by Max Cady and testifies against him. When released after 8 years in prison, Cady begins stalking Bowden and his family but is always clever enough not to violate the law.