Job Dalton is the illegitimate son of star rocker Chris Dalton. He is attending a military school when he receives the sad news that his mother has died. Chris is on tour when the news of the death of Job's mother reaches him. A bit bored with his life and desiring to gain a relationship with his son, he decides to bring the boy on tour with him. To Job, who has only heard his mother's version of their relationship, and who views the military school as home, and aspires to a military career, his father's life and career are as foreign as life on Mars.
What follows are lessons for both as Chris learns how to set limits, how to talk (and listen to) a teenager; and Job learns how to loosen up and enjoy life. They clash frequently on their way to understanding each other, but the denouement in the desert is moving and leaves the viewer feeling they're on the right track.