Tough-guy police officer Jake Stone (Jack Palance) and his less seasoned partner, Tony Moore (David Barry Gray), are intent on taking down Osborn (Robert Davi), a ruthless criminal. However, since Osborn is holed up in the suburbs, Jake and Tony must hold their stakeout in a neighboring house, home to the Robbersons. The well-meaning family, including patriarch Norman (Chevy Chase), tries to assist the cops in their duties, but it proves to be unwanted help.