Bones stiff and muscles aching, German Moran finds little inspiration or comfort in the literary life he has led for most of his time on earth as a writer and one-time radical. He has raised children and penned diverse chronicles, but old age and infirmity have contributed more than their share of ennui. Familiar stirrings awaken and long-forgotten juices soon begin to flow, however, when a comely actress, Gwendolyn, and her toddler move in next door. German's grander philosophical questions about the meaning of life and death quickly give way to more basic, poignantly naive ponderings: Does she return his love? Is he too old? Can he compete in muscular vigor and tone with her live-in partner? To complicate matters, the unlikely rival for the charms of Gwendolyn is a dashing young movie producer who happens to be German's own son!