A failed New Jersey inventor embarks on a career as a standup comic, turns to drink, and labors to keep his family together.

Jimmy O'Brien works in the stockroom of a grocery store, where he is reminded of his powerlessness by his boss. Only his love for his wife offers him comfort, but their obligations to his invalid grandmother and a new baby stifle their dreams. It is not until open-mike night at the local comedy club that he allows himself to do what he needs to do: run off at the mouth.—Sujit R. Varma