Harris K. Telemacher, portrayed by Steve Martin, is a weatherman in Los Angeles who has already experienced seven heart attacks. He navigates through the suburbs with an unconventional route to make it to work on time, while grappling with a stale relationship with his ambitious girlfriend Trudi, played by Marilu Henner. Even though Harris holds a Ph.D. in arts and humanities, he feels that his work is both undignified and lacking in intellect, all too common in the fast-paced, superficial world of L.A., where even the coffee orders come with overly pretentious requirements.
His agent Frank, played by Kevin Pollak, pressures him to participate in a parade, which Harris dreads. Over time, he becomes increasingly weary of the superficiality surrounding him, from the casual indifference to earthquakes to the bizarre freeway etiquette where every motorist seems oblivious to the city's chaos. When he’s not trying to dodge the monotony of his life, he spends his spare time roller-skating through art galleries with his eccentric friend Ariel, offering peculiar art critiques and often remixing Shakespeare.
Everything changes when he meets Sara, a London journalist who captivates him. Their instant connection makes Harris realize how much he despises feeling disrespected by Trudi, especially when she insists he opens the car door for her. One night while driving home, his car breaks down on the freeway, where he encounters a peculiar sign that seems to share messages directly with him, hinting at a life-changing turn that awaits.
In an unexpected twist, the signpost declares that it will help him when he unscrambles the phrase "How Daddy is Doing." After noticing Sara’s segment on TV, she seeks to interview him for her article, leading to outings at unique locations like the Museum of Music—where they marvel at treasures such as Mozart’s quill and Beethoven’s testicles—and the cemetery containing Shakespeare’s grave, a shared admiration that deepens their bond.
As Harris reels from his growing feelings for Sara, he becomes involved with SanDeE, a bubbly aspiring model he meets at a clothing shop. However, his heart is torn when he discovers that Trudi has been unfaithful for three years with Frank, his agent. All the while, the mysterious signpost warns Harris that the “weather will change his life twice”. Ignoring its advice leads to disastrous results, including being fired from his job after an ill-timed weather report.
A night out with SanDeE at a posh restaurant sees Harris confronting the limitations of his finances, as he’s relegated to selecting the chicken. Yet, his thoughts remain primarily on Sara, who is still preoccupied with her estranged husband, Roland, played by Richard E. Grant.
When fate unites both couples at a weekend resort, it sets off a cascade of events leading to confrontation. Despite their respective entanglements, Harris and Sara's undeniable affection for each other surfaces. Amidst the emotional chaos, a raging storm brings about a delay in Sara’s departure, granting them another chance to embrace their feelings. As they kiss, it’s clear that love prevails.
By the end of this tumultuous journey, through the cryptic clues of the signpost and navigating the chaos of relationships, Harris successfully wins back Sara. In the final moments, the signpost’s riddle— "Sing Doo Wah Diddy"—is unraveled, and it humorously requests cable TV as a token of gratitude from Harris, highlighting the whimsy and unpredictability of love.
