The fabulously wealthy but morally bankrupt Duke brothers make a one-dollar bet over heredity vs. environment. Curious as to what would happen if different lifestyles were reversed, they arrange for impoverished street hustler Billy Ray Valentine to be placed in the lap of luxury. Simultaneously, they strip wealthy Louis Winthorpe III of his identity and wealth. When Billy Ray figures out that the brothers intend send him back to his life of poverty once their experiment is complete, he seeks out Winthorpe, and together they plot their revenge on the Duke brothers.