Straight Talk

Shirlee Kenyon, a dance instructor in Flat River, Arkansas, loses her job after management accuses her of prioritizing clients' personal problems over teaching. The firing leaves her shocked and questioning her future. She resolves to pursue a bigger life beyond the small town.

Shirlee tries to persuade her unemployed boyfriend Steve to move with her to Chicago, but he belittles her dream. Frustrated by his lack of support, she decides to move to Chicago on her own to chase opportunities. This marks the start of her journey away from Flat River.

Upon arriving in Chicago, Shirlee stands on the Wabash Avenue Bridge to make a wish and accidentally drops a $20 bill. Jack Russell, an investigative journalist, spots her from his office and assumes she intends to commit suicide, so he rushes to rescue her. He tries to offer money to help, but Shirlee refuses.

Shirlee stops at a Chicago diner for breakfast and chats with Janice, who is irritated because her workaholic boyfriend stood her up. Shirlee advises her to end the relationship and move on, not realizing Janice's boyfriend is Jack. When Jack arrives, Janice breaks up with him and he leaves, snickering.

After several unsuccessful interviews, Shirlee is hired as a receptionist at a local radio station. On her first day, she accidentally walks into a studio and is mistaken for the station's new call-in therapist, Dr. Kendall. Despite insisting her last name is Kenyon, Shirlee is put on the air and begins giving straightforward advice.

Her on-air persona captivates listeners, but program director Alan Riegert is appalled by her blunt style and fires her. He orders her off the air and ends her brief stint on the show. The incident makes Shirlee a controversial figure in the station's lineup.

Shirlee's blunt advice on the air proves popular with listeners, creating demand for more segments. Alan offers her an $800-per-week contract to host her own show, but she must pretend to be a real clinical doctor. She signs the contract and becomes the persona 'Dr. Shirlee'.

Jack becomes suspicious when he realizes the woman who risked her life for $20 might be a successful doctor. Despite his editor's reluctance, he decides to investigate and starts dating Shirlee. He visits Flat River to question Steve and ends up falling in love.

When Steve arrives at Shirlee's apartment and doesn't recognize Jack, he punches him. Shirlee intervenes, orders Steve to leave, and then she and Jack become intimate. The event accelerates their relationship and complicates loyalties.

The next morning, Jack refuses to publish his story about Shirlee and quits his job. He chooses personal integrity over selling a sensational piece, signaling a shift in their dynamic.

Shirlee learns from Steve that Jack is a reporter, adding tension to their relationship. The revelation prompts a confrontation about trust and truth between them.

A mishap involving Shirlee's advice prompts her to confess on air that she is not a real doctor. The revelation shocks listeners and forces her to consider stepping back from the show. The network and audience respond with mixed reactions.

Listeners call in at midnight and honk their horns to show support for Shirlee. The impromptu vigil reframes her image and signals a turning point in how she is perceived by the public.

Jack finds Shirlee on the Wabash Avenue Bridge and convinces her that the horn honks were for her. They kiss as police nearby recognize 'Dr. Shirlee', and Shirlee finally declares that she is now just Shirlee. The moment marks a resolution to their arc and the public's perception of her.