The Mafia, rock and roll, high finance. In a story of the conflict between ages, attitudes and culture, Ellsworth Dodge acquires the contract of Millie Armor, an up and coming young singer. Hiding a part, Millie (who yearns for a simple, quiet life) falls in love with both Dodge and a fellow musician who means her no good. Not that Dodge does either--he is merely the biggest shark in the tank. Dodge, the "fleur de mal of The Desk," emerges unscathed from his involvement with the rock and roll world and the Mob. Does all life start with grand ambitions that ultimately become failed dreams, lost illusions?