The Luckiest Man in America

In 1984, ice cream truck driver Michael Larson finds himself in a unique situation when he slips into an audition for the game show Press Your Luck. Initially removed from the office when the real contestant arrives, his backstory and underdog potential impress producer Bill Carruthers, who decides to book him for the next day’s taping.

On the day of his taping, Larson competes against returning champion Ed and fellow challenger Janie. Despite struggling in the early trivia rounds, he gains spins and initially wins some money, only to hit a Whammy, which reduces his score to zero.

As the last-place player, Larson starts the second round and quickly surpasses $16,000 by skillfully spinning the game’s board. His success raises eyebrows among the show's producers, who begin to grow suspicious of his seemingly lucky streak.

Concerned about Larson possibly cheating, contestant coordinator Chuck breaks into Larson's ice cream truck. There, he discovers a stash of videotapes that reveals Larson has memorized the patterns of the gameboard from past episodes, indicating a method to Larson's madness.

As Larson’s winnings continue to climb, producer Bill Carruthers grapples with the decision of whether to stop Larson or capitalize on his success for ratings. Realizing Larson's performance could boost the show’s popularity, they opt to let him continue winning.

While nearing the end of the game with over $109,000, Larson is blindsided when his estranged wife Patricia is brought into a phone call during the taping. She presents him with divorce papers, leading to an emotional breakdown and causing him to flee to a dressing room.

Ed, feeling sympathy for Larson after witnessing his emotional distress, attempts to comfort him in the dressing room. Carruthers soon arrives and reassures Larson about his memorization skills and growing popularity among the audience.

Reassured by Carruthers, Larson returns to continue the game, where the audience erupts in supportive cheers for him. He passes his final spin to Janie, taking a bold stance against expectations and gaining the admiration of the crowd.

As the game progresses, Ed hits a Whammy, wiping out his winnings. Janie spins several times before ultimately passing the last spin back to Larson, who is weary but determined, closes his eyes, and hits the button to stop the board.

In a surprising turn of events, weeks later, Patricia watches the broadcast of Larson’s game show appearance. Despite the emotional turmoil, Larson ends up landing on a prize and winning a total of cash and prizes amounting to $110,237.

In a brief mid-credits scene, a clip from the actual Press Your Luck episode is shown. It features host Peter Tomarken interviewing Larson following his remarkable victory, providing a real-life connection to the earlier dramatization.