When a movie theater projector of a large theater chain breaks down, a surly theater manager refuses to give an old woman her refund because she cannot find her ticket stub. That’s when Frank Rooney, an easy-going chemistry professor, rises up to take the manager – and corporate arrogance – by the throat. Frank gets himself arrested and his trial becomes the flashpoint for massive protests organized by TULP – Treat Us Like People – a nascent group of citizens frustrated by corporate indifference and consumer abuse. Max Rodriguez, an aimless but charismatic recent college grad, stumbles into the job of TULP Spokesman. Working with Max to harness the mass frustration over corporate behavior are Boris Petrovich, a Russian immigrant engineer turned plumber, Alexander Hammermill, a millionaire artist/landowner whose property becomes the scene of a insurgent encampment, Gus DeMauro, a California contractor who remembers the good old days at Berkeley, and Christina Clark, real estate and computer whiz who clicks and drags her older cohorts into protest, social media style. Ronney’s defense is taken up by Cowboy Bob Sheridan, a flamboyant, publicity seeking attorney whose seminars are billed as: “Never Lose A Case – Can’t Miss Pointers From a Fell Who Never Has.” At Frank’s trial, Sheridan quotes authorities as varied as the Book of Deuteronomy and the writings of John Adams to argue that the basis for human relations comes from concepts far nobler than the common functionary’s excuse: “It’s company policy.”
© 2003-2026