From local comedy clubs to Hollywood, a Philly comedian's story of hope, ambition and courage is told through archival footage and interviews with comedy luminaries.

Judy Toll was both blessed and cursed, but above all, this funny and talented lady was defined by an unstoppable need to make people laugh. And laugh they did. Beginning humbly in the local comedy scene, Judy rose through the competitive field of stand-up to eventually make the leap to Los Angeles, where she landed a regular gig with the legendary improv troupe The Groundlings. For much of the 1980s, Judy dazzled audiences and critics with her dynamic stage performances. With partner Wendy Goldman, she created the stage-play, "Casual Sex," and was on the verge of major success, but fate had other plans when she was diagnosed with cancer. Regardless, Judy Toll was not going to let showbiz pass her by, and she continued to headline for years to come, mining her own frustrations and trials for material and influencing many of today's top talents. Filmmaker and brother Gary Toll avoids the potential sentimentality of this tragic story, focusing instead on Judy's many accomplishments as a comedian and a woman, not the least of which was her legacy of lasting friendships which this film lovingly illustrates.