Danny Fisher (Elvis Presley) is a young, small time hoodlum who decides to quit school for good. He then applies for a job at a local nightclub, working as a busboy. One night, the club has a vacancy for a performer and Danny decides to give it a shot. He performs greatly and becomes an instant success. He quits his job and decides to go on tour as a professional musician. Eventually, Danny comes in contact with a crime boss named Maxie Fields (Walter Matthau) who greatly wishes that he perform in his new nightclub The Blue Shade. When Fisher refuses, Maxie threatens him, and Danny performs at the club as he has no other options.