The younger son of a working-class Jewish family in Montreal, Duddy Kravitz yearns to make a name for himself in society. This film chronicles his short and dubious rise to power, as well as his changing relationships with family and friends. Along the way the film explores the themes of anti-semitism and the responsibilities which come with adulthood.

Richard Dreyfuss
as Duddy

Henry Ramer
as Dingleman

Alan Rosenthal
as Lennie

Susan Friedman
as Linda

Joseph Wiseman
as Uncle Benjy

Micheline Lanctôt
as Yvette

Jack Warden
as Max

Randy Quaid
as Virgil

Barry Baldaro
as Paddy

Sonny Oppenheim
as Cohen