New York, 1980: airplanes have replaced cars, numbers have replaced names, pills have replaced food, government-arranged marriages have replaced love, and test tube babies have replaced ... well, you get the idea. Scientists revive a man struck by lightning in 1930; he is rechristened "Single O". He is befriended by J-21, who can't marry the girl of his dreams because he isn't "distinguished" enough -- until he is chosen for a 4-month expedition to Mars by a renegade scientist. The Mars J-21, his friend, and stowaway Single O visit is full of scantily clad women doing Busby Berkeley-style dance numbers and worshiping a fat middle-aged man.

Following a prologue recalling the customs and appearance of New York in 1880, the action flashes forward to 1980: At this time, if there are two or more suitors for a girl's hand, the matter is settled by a marriage tribunal. Thus, J--21, a young aviator, has been ruled against by the tribunal in favor of RT--42, a wealthier and more distinguished rival, but he is given a four-month period in which to strengthen his image. He is losing ground when offered the chance to pilot a rocketship to Mars, accompanied by RT--42. Single 0, who was killed by lightning in 1930 and revived by scientists 50 years later, is unable to adjust to the many changes in the world during the interval, and stows away on the ship. After many amusing incidents on Mars, J--21 returns to Earth just in time to present his appeal and reverse the verdict.