Emory Leeson (Dudley Moore) is a stressed-out advertising executive who sets off a company scandal with a series of unorthodox, but truthful, ad campaigns. Shipped off to a mental institution, the discredited ad-man finds understanding in a soothing psychiatrist (Mercedes Ruehl), friendship in a colorful group of inpatients, and love in a beautiful but nutty fellow resident (Daryl Hannah). Meanwhile, Emory's truthful ads have become Madison Avenue's latest craze and the agency wants him back--much to the dismay of their former employee, who would rather stay in the asylum, away from the corporate rat race.