 As a boy, orphan and dropout Rick Martin finds his only outlet in music. Through chance-met black jazzman Art Hazzard, he develops into a great trumpeter...too great for jazz-hating Jack Chandler, leader of the dance band he joins. But before long he s in a better big band, thanks to the interest of sweet singer Jo Jordan, who alas introduces him to her slinky, rich, highly neurotic friend Amy North. Amy s inconsistent ways soon make Rick a virtual basket case. Is he washed up, or will he find that elusive high note his trumpet won t play? Allegedly based on the life of jazz great Bix Beiderbecke.