After moving to Chicago, Larry Appleton gets an unexpected new roommate in his distant cousin, Balki Bartokomous, who comes from the small Mediterranean island of Mypos.
Larry tries to further his prospective photographer career by capturing a picture of Dolly Parton having an affair for a local tabloid.
Larry attempts to teach Balki the finer points of dating American women.
Balki learns to drive, which causes much stress for Larry.
Larry pushes Balki to open a checking account without explaining the basic principles of how it works.
Larry finally sold a photo to a newspaper on his birthday. Balki and his friends are preparing a surprise party for Larry, but things do not go as planned.
