A young gangster Chas Devlin (James Fox) seeks refuge from the mob in a basement belonging to a reclusive, fading rock star Turner (Mick Jagger). In 'underworld' terms, Chas is a 'performer', a gangster with a talent for violence and intimidation. After taking a trip, he begins to cross dress and experiment with his sexuality. The directorial debut of Nicolas Roeg explores both the liberating impulses and threat of anarchy which provided the twin motors of the 'Swinging Sixties'.