Brothers Jim Mitchell (Emilio Estevez) and Artie Mitchell (Charlie Sheen) become pioneers of the porn and stripclub industry in San Francisco during the 1970s and 80s. The chronicle of their lives is shown here, the opening of their first x-rated theater, the O'Farrell. Along the way they also get involved in pioneering the porn industry through their films. Of course the chronicle of their life shows their descent into drugs, sex, and criminal activity and the mismanagement of their empire. All of these things together eventually lead Jim to decide to dispose of his brother Artie to end his plaguing effect upon their fortunes.