Based on a true story, the film examines the complex emotional experiences faced by John Merrick, the "Elephant Man" when he is discovered by a dedicated surgeon. Rescued from his degrading life as a circus freak, Merrick is given a chance to live his last years with comfort, respect, and dignity.

Max Bialystock was once the king of Broadway, but now he only seems to be able to produce flops. Things turn around for Max when he's visited by the neurotic accountant Leo Bloom, who proposes a scheme tailor-made for producers who can only make flops: raise far more money than you need, then make sure the show is despised. No one will be interested in it, so you can pocket the surplus. With this in mind, they decide to produce a musical called 'Springtime...

A humorous look at the ages of man. Includes eras through the French Revolution.