It's 1953. Finnish novelist Kauko is married to stunning movie star Helena. They are the cream of Helsinki society, and life should be one big party - but Kauko, unable to sleep or write, has become an anxious man. There's something seriously wrong with his life, what though, he's not able to put his finger on. He doesn't know yet what we soon find out: Helena is having an affair with Kauko's best friend.
Kauko's recent historical novel about the Roman Empire, "Cauldron of Snakes," has been on the bestseller lists all over the world. Now Hollywood calls: they want the movie rights. Kauko sells the book and gets invited over to discuss future projects. He's not enthusiastic about it at all - what he really wants is to be left in peace to write his next novel. But after the separation from Helena there's nothing left for Kauko in freezing Helsinki, and he leaves for California, hoping time and distance will clear his head.
In Los Angeles Kauko meets an aspiring actress, Marion, and they hit it off. For a while it seems like Kauko's romantic problems might be over – but then Helena calls, wants to make up, wants to come over.