The Dude, Jeff Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) is unemployed and laid-back...
until...victim of mistaken identity, two thugs break into his apartment in the errant belief that they are accosting Jeff Lebowski the Pasadena millionaire.
In hope of getting a replacement for his soiled carpet Dude visits his wealthy namesake and, with buddy, ex 'Nam' veteran, Walter (John Goodman) he is swept into a comedy/thriller of extortion, embezzlement, sex and dope.
It takes guys as simple as the Dude and Walter to make a story this complicated... and they'd really rather be bowling.