Pat Hobby, a fading and desperate screenwriter, struggles to navigate the ruthless machinery of the Hollywood studio system while attempting to revive his stalled career.

Driven by a mix of professional ambition and personal necessity, Hobby moves through the fringes of the film industry, often finding himself thwarted by his own lack of talent and the changing tides of studio politics. The narrative framework consists of a series of interconnected short stories that function as a satirical examination of the industry's inner workings. Hobby must contend with younger, more capable writers and the cold indifference of studio executives who view him as a relic of a bygone era. The stories are grounded in the physical reality of 1930s Hollywood, emphasizing the stark contrast between the glamour of the screen and the grittiness of the screenwriter's daily existence.

Discussion often centers on how these stories reflect Fitzgerald's own disillusionment with his time spent working in the film industry. Readers frequently highlight the balance between the comedic absurdity of Hobby's schemes and the underlying melancholy of his situation. Critics often point to the sharp, economical prose that defines this late-career work, noting that the brevity of the format suits the cynical tone of the subject matter. The collection is widely regarded as a significant look at the darker side of the golden age of cinema, providing a perspective that is both critical and observant. Many readers appreciate the way the stories capture the specific atmosphere of Hollywood during the late 1930s.