It's 1933-34, America has sunk into Depression. A young out-of-work lawyer goes to Washington for his last chance. He finds it with President Roosevelt, who recognizes a fellow who can solve problems, such as a deal to import liquor, fix Wall Street and save Joseph P. Kennedy from a kidnapping or worse. The nation and the novel's hero have hit bottom, and both FDR and the hero will try any means necessary to fix matters.