Martin Kohler has always dreamed of one day escaping the Valley of Ashes. On the hottest day of the summer of 1922, Martin embarks on a journey across New York City in pursuit of this dream. He enlists his friend, Carl, to join him on his business venture. Along the way, they argue and fight over money, women, and whatever else crosses their path. As wealthy socialites bounce between the vice-filled shadows of downtown New York City and parties in West Egg, they learn Otto, Martin's landlord and enigmatic protector, may have been right about the hardships of taking entrepreneurial risks. Otto, for better or for worse, turns out to be a much different man than the duo had once believed...