Rupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro) strongly believes that he has what it takes to become a comedy star like his idol Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis). But when his career fails to materialise, Pupkin decides to kidnap Langford in order to force the network to give him his shot at fame.

Scorsese's comedy drama later provided significant inspiration to Todd Philips' JOKER, with Robert De Niro this time playing the established star and focus of the protagonist's obsession.