In 1947 Los Angeles, a private detective gets embroiled in a crime investigation when he is hired to find a missing person. As he digs deeper, he discovers a tangled web of betrayal, adoption secrets, and a dangerous femme fatale. With the help of a talking parrot and his wit, the detective must navigate through car chases, fights, and blackmail to solve the case.

Wimpy struggling Greenwich Village painter Tyler Westin is in love with gorgeous, but mean and snippy cabaret dancer Lisa, who treats Tyler like dirt and constantly belittles him. Sultry nightclub singer Mashiko turns Tyler on to LSD. After a nightmarish three day acid trip, Tyler returns to his shabby apartment to find Lisa murdered. Is Tyler responsible for her death? Or did someone else kill Lisa?

A writer and a painter decide to leave the big city and move to the country. In order to support themselves, the couple design greeting cards.