Joshua Norton is bankrupt and desperate in antebellum San Francisco. The whole nation seems to have gone mad. He discovers that madness is a viable option, and so becomes Joshua Norton I, dei gratia Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. Many people of the city happily accept him as such. Yet he discovers that even with the power of monarchy he cannot cure the unhappiness of the country or of himself. How can he help Marina, who wishes only to sing, or Sophia, who desires only wealth? Worse, how can he help himself--and what to do with his secret treasure? Based on true stories of Old San Francisco.