Jake Bridges (William Peterson) is a washed-up writer befriended by Atlantic City enforcer Frankie McGregor (Michael Wincott). They make a deal of sorts: Frankie teaches Jake about life on the streets and Jake walks Frankie through great literature. But Jake finds himself falling in love with Frankie's girlfriend (Diane Lane), and she is slowly seduced by Jake's attentions as the three lives become increasingly intertwined in this extraordinary gangster film.
