Jesco (Edward Hogg) grew up in West Virginia, and was able from a young age to get himself into trouble. He started huffing gasoline at a young age, and this was the start of his troubles, often landing him in reform schools and asylums. In an effort to keep his son out of trouble, Jesco's dad, a well known dancer, taught him to tap dance. When his father dies a few years later, Jesco leans back on his dancing training and hits the road, hoping to leave his pain and troubles behind. Along the way, he meets Cilla (Carrie Fisher), and they begin a relationship. However, trouble seems to find Jesco, and he is once again facing some challenges.