Irreverent freelance investigative reporter Tom Maguire hits rock bottom when bigot editor-in-chief Ivan refuses to print his pieces anymore and his bad back most be operated on, but his health insurance just expired. Sympathetic editor Irene Dunbar, feeling guilty she didnt save his job, volunteers for a fake marriage so he can use her insurance. The happy couple is now constantly beleaguered by her mother and an insurance inspector, while each has his own affairs, but the co-habitation also seems to generate meaningful affection.