1940's California: Failed actor Dexter Venito works as a janitor at a carnival freakshow ruled by the sadistic vampire Vladislav. The lone bright spot in his life is a budding romance with the show's star attraction, a "mermaid" named Lisette. Inspired to flee for a better life, the pair are thwarted by the jealous Vladislav. Dexter is beaten and left to die in the desert.