In Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II, poor Jewish cafe owner Jakob Heym (Robin Williams) accidentally overhears a forbidden radio news bulletin signalling Soviet military successes against German forces.

To combat the overwhelming depression that pervades the ghetto, Jakob invents fictitious news bulletins about Allied advances against the Nazis.

These lies keep hope and humour alive among the ghetto inhabitants-spirits are lifted, hearts are refreshed and optimism is reborn. The Germans learn of the mythical radio and begin a search for the resistance hero who dares operate it.