In the 1920s, Walter (Elvis Presley) pitches the tents of his chautauqua in a small Iowa town. Managing his fractious troupe of entertainers, lecturers and self-avowed intellectuals is difficult enough, but Walter also has to deal with the grievances of Charlene (Marlyn Mason), who is trying to organize a union right under his nose. After a scandalous murder occurs in the town, Walter finds himself caught up in the problems and politics of his customers in addition to those of his employees.