In 1947, Harrison Lee Van Buren, an industrialist, had a surprising turn of events involving his son Harry and two craftsmen, Laszlo and Attila. While Harrison was away, Harry planned to surprise him by hiring Laszlo and Attila to renovate his father’s study. However, when Harrison returned home, he was far from pleased with the modernized design. In a fit of anger, he dismissed both Laszlo and Attila. Adding insult to injury, Harry refused to pay them for their work. This fallout further escalated when Attila, frustrated with Laszlo's romantic interest in Audrey, eventually kicked him out of their shared residence.

Not long after, Laszlo found himself living in church-provided relief housing alongside others struggling to make ends meet, including Gordon, a poor African-American man raising a young son on his own. During their time as laborers at the docks—a job that was both demanding and hazardous—Gordon discovered that Laszlo was secretly injecting heroin, even during working hours. The situation took an unexpected twist when Harrison unexpectedly turned up at the docks one day to invite Laszlo to lunch.

During the meal, Harrison expressed newfound admiration for the modern design of the study, which he revealed had sparked considerable attention in architectural circles. To make amends, he paid Laszlo the overdue wages and even invited him over for the weekend. Their reunion grew wilder from there: the pair visited an adult theater where they indulged in heavy drinking and heroin use, which culminated in their eventual expulsion from the premises due to their unruly behavior. 

After that chaotic night, Laszlo made his way back to the church. But Harrison wasn't done yet. He sent his chauffeur to collect Laszlo and escort him to another gathering, thrusting him into yet another unexpected chapter of their peculiar relationship.