Sam Price, a wealthy entrepreneur, has just recently passed away and, at his request, has been laid out in his townhouse. With the corpse in the bedroom, his immediate family—sister, brother, nephew and niece—have gathered to discuss their inheritance, a meeting that descends into acrimony over the division of property. Much to their chagrin, they learn that Sam has left his entire estate to the church, a discovery that results in them reluctantly seeking the advice of a person they deem to be of unsavory moral character. His advice seemingly solves their dilemma until they realize that the solution involves compromise. Many reversals drive a story that comically reveals avarice, mistrust and chicanery.