In a small town in Arkansas, a group of journalists discovers Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes, a charismatic drifter who possesses the gift of eloquence and a touch of humor that captivates everyone. His talent for connecting with people quickly sets in motion his rise to fame when he is invited to a local radio show. With his magnetic personality, Lonesome becomes a media phenomenon, capturing hearts and becoming the voice of the people.
As his popularity grows, so does his arrogance. He begins to use his influence to manipulate the masses and sway political decisions, using his platform to promote his own interests. His relationship with producer Marcia Jeffries, who launched him to stardom, becomes increasingly complicated as he slips from a beloved hero to a dangerous villain. Marcia struggles to maintain her integrity amidst the whirlwind he creates, while the publicist Lonesome becomes an unstoppable force on television.
The story explores the fragility of fame and how people can change upon gaining power. When Lonesome reaches the pinnacle of success, he also faces the peril of what it truly means to be a public figure and how his own image can turn against him. Amid laughter and heart-wrenching moments, the dark side of fame and manipulation in the media age is revealed.