New Orleans is not the place that most people would want to end up in jail; especially if you are innocent. For Zack (Tom Waits) and Jack (John Lurie) this is what has happened. Someone has framed them. When Bob (Roberto Benigni) enters their cell, he tries to strike up a conversation with the two. However, they have already decided they hate each other and really have nothing to say. But Bob is different. He is a happy-go-lucky guy but he wants out of jail so he comes up with a plan for escape. Jack and Zach immediately want in on the plan. With the fortunes on their side, the escape is successful until they find themselves hopelessly lost in the swamps that surround New Orleans. Again, fortune is one there side and they stumble upon a small shanty where Nicoletta (Nicoletta Braschi) lives. She provides them with food and shelter and Bob with love. Now the three men have a chance to figure out their next move and hopefully the police will not catch up with them.