Theresa (Yasmine Bleeth) is an imaginative, rebellious orphan from Brooklyn, who has dreams of show business success. She tries outrageous schemes to launch herself into the public eye, until finally meeting mentor, Sammy Cohen (Buddy Hackett), whose own career fizzled as a result of alcoholism. Theresa and Sammy form an inseparable bond - and a dazzling song-and-dance duo.
When Sammy passes away, Theresa overcomes her grief by finding her way into the spotlight, remembering Sammy words, "Even if there is a mass funeral for the entire world, the show must go on."