 In Hollywood during the 1950 s, screenwriter Asa Kaufman reflects on his Communist associations and knows that he will soon be forced to testify before committees investigating "Un-American" activities. He can no longer find employment in Hollywood anyway, so decides to flee to England and get work there writing children s TV. Soon after arriving, he hears that his best friend since childhood, actor Clifford Byrne, has committed suicide. Asa is sure that this is related to the witch-hunts, and has to find out exactly what the relation is.