An overworked, stressed ad executive named Williams falls asleep on a train ride home from work and dreams of a small 19th century town called Willoughby. A few days later, upon learning that a young protégé jump ships and goes to a competing agency, he snaps and ultimately quits his job. Later, as he travels home, Williams decides to get off the next time the train makes its stop at Willoughby – only to jump off the rear of the train and is ultimately put into the back of a hearse owned by a funeral parlor called Willoughby & Son.

A down-and-out trumpet player (Jack Klugman) gets another chance at life after attempting suicide.