Richard Pryor stars in as the title character in this comedic drama which tells the story of a popular comedian`s fall from grace. Jo Jo Dancer is brought up in an Ohio brothel. He rises from his humble beginning to become a popular comedian and film star, only to throw it all away when he severely injures himself in a drug-related accident. In the hospital, he ruminates on the events in his life--from his ascent to stardom, to his troubles with women, to the events that caused his downfall. Though Pryor directed and co-wrote, and the events of the film appear to be inspired by those of his own life, he refused to label it as autobiographical.