Conveniently off shore far enough to be outside the legal zone of England in the North Atlantic is a ship broadcasting Rock-n-Roll 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.  The Rock Radio Ship has an uncanny resemblance the famous " Radio Caroline" that was hosted by a motley crew of characters for the DJ's.  Stranded out at sea sometimes for months at a time, when the DJ's aren't on the air, they are talking about sex, hiding in there little rooms, eating, sunning on the deck, smoking weed, generally misbehaving in all sorts of ways. 

In the background is a constant score of 1960's great Rock -n-Roll music.

Lead by an American DJ called  "The Count" played by Philip Seymour Hoffman.  a ragtag, aloof and distant boss / supervisor/ marketing man Quentin, played by BIll Nighty. An old DJ from early Rock -n-Roll in England decides to return from Canada, Gavin, played by a more mature Rhys Ifans ( you'll remember him in the 1999 film Notting Hill with Hugh Grant Julia Roberts) comes back to offer both a rival for the Count and inspiration to the other DJ's.  Their story and mischief will make several small subplots and some more good comedy. 

Another character Carl who is the godson of Quentin had been placed aboard for some reason.  Supposedly because he was expelled from a high school and his mother wants him to chill  out for a while, maybe get responsible, or does she another motive? He is subjected to a great many of the players prangs and well again their all on a boat, in the middle of the Ocean and have way to much time on their hands in between shifts. 

 In the British government there is one minister, I'll call the minister him the head of the "thought Police".  At this particular time in history Rock-n-Roll is seen as the great Satan.  Back on land, Sir Alistair Dormandy Played by Kenneth Branagh, a fictional character that thank goodness is portrayed as more of a caricature than a real person is calling for some means to end Rock Radio declaring then unfit humans and a sewer with no morals.  Although this was a serious post in the Government the movie makes light of him for comedy sake.  There only mission is get the Rock Radio shut down.

What could have been a historical story of Radio Caroline, instead, has a life of it's own, the loyal fans, and a story line that allows the characters to interact in all sorts of ways, naturally. ( At any given moment in England almost 1/2 the radios are listening to with Rock Radio or one of there competitors). A fun romp in the 60's, free love, drugs and rock-n-roll.  Not all serious, but greatly entertaining.  Did I mention the music ?