The Toy

Jack Brown, an unemployed newspaper reporter, faces dire financial challenges as he and his wife, Angela, struggle to keep up with their mortgage payments. Living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, they risk losing their home to the bank due to their inability to find stable employment.

After multiple failed attempts to get hired at the local paper, The Bugle, Jack's desperation pushes him to accept an embarrassing job as a 'cleaning lady' for the uptight businessman U.S. Bates. However, this humiliating position ends quickly, forcing Jack to take a part-time janitor role at Bates' department store.

On the same evening, Eric Bates, the spoiled 10-year-old son of U.S. Bates, returns home from military academy. He arrives at the store and is amused by Jack's antics, leading him to demand Jack as his personal toy for the week.

U.S. Bates offers Jack a lucrative financial incentive to be his son's live-in friend during Eric's spring break. Jack reluctantly agrees to the arrangement, drawn by the prospect of paying off his bills and saving his home.

Jack initially struggles with his new role as Eric's companion, facing humiliating pranks and uncomfortable situations, especially at a dinner party where Fancy, Bates' trophy wife, introduces him as Eric's 'toy'. This prompts Jack to leave the mansion in frustration.

Jack decides to return after Bates offers him a substantial amount of money, providing newfound motivation. The two begin to bond through fun activities, such as mini-cart racing and video games, allowing Jack to share his life experiences with Eric.

As Jack and Eric spend time together, Jack learns about Eric's difficult upbringing and the absence of paternal affection from Bates. Eric reveals his feelings of neglect, asserting that his father only cares about his wellbeing as long as he's out of the way.

Inspired by their unique friendship, Jack and Eric decide to start their own newspaper for fun. Their investigative efforts reveal Bates' cruel treatment of his employees, leading them to publish a satirical article exposing their boss's misdeeds.

Their mischievous antics lead to a confrontation with the police after they are caught printing their newspaper after hours. Eric cleverly creates a diversion, allowing him and Jack to escape from the police station.

Jack and Eric successfully launch 'The Toy', distributing copies throughout the city. This act sparks outrage in Bates, leading to a confrontation where he orders them to shut down their paper but has his authority challenged by Eric's rebellious spirit.

Bates, attempting to regain control, offers Jack a reporting job with his paper as a way to shut him up. Displeased with Jack’s potential choice, Eric runs out of the office, feeling betrayed by his new friend’s willingness to serve Bates.

A lavish party at the Bates estate is set to impress influential guests, but it also serves as a cover for Bates' underhanded dealings with the KKK. Angela, Jack's wife, protests outside with her anti-Klan group, hoping to expose the true nature of the event.

Jack and Eric crash the party on their mini-carts, revealing the presence of the Grand Wizard. Jack creates chaos by causing the Grand Wizard to stumble into a dessert display, leading to an uproar that derails Bates' plans.

As chaos erupts at the party, Jack helps save Bates from drowning, ultimately mending their previously rocky relationship. With the spirit of friendship forged, Jack prepares to return home, having made a significant impact on both Eric's life and his own.

As Jack departs, Eric struggles with the reality of losing his new friend. Bates attempts a heart-to-heart, but when Eric runs off to find Jack, it becomes clear that their bond has left a lasting impression on both of them, preventing Eric from moving on.