Weaving together several different stories about people's lives, loves, perceptions, and ideals, this examines some of the toughest questions surrounding human nature.

Recruited by an inept mob of vigilantes, Kleinman, a cowardly clerk, is forced to search for a notorious murderer -- only to stumble upon Irmy, a sword-swallower running away from the circus and her clownish boyfriend. Determined to help her, and eager to escape the vigilantes, Kleinman abandons his search for the killer ... or so he thinks.

Miles Monroe enters the hospital in 1973 for a minor ulcer operation only to wake up 200 years later after being defrosted. As Miles tries to adjust to his new environment, he is re-programmed, de-programmed, chased by Big Brother-like police, and falls for Luna, an underground poet.

Cecilia is a poor waitress in a dumpy New Jersey diner who goes to the movies to escape the realities of Depression Era life. Her favorite is "The Purple Rose of Cairo." When the leading man, Tom Baxter, decides to be with Cecilia, confusion abounds.