In 1970, drug-fueled Los Angeles detective Larry 'Doc' Sportello is surprised by Shasta Fay Hempworth, his former girlfriend and her plot for Mickey Wolfmann, her billionaire boyfriend, his wife, and her boyfriend. Shasta believes Wolfmann is the target of an abduction attempt by his wife and her lover. In helping Shasta, Doc not only goes on a search for Wolfmann, but others who go missing, including Shasta, and one who is assumed to be murdered.