Lisa is captivated by a television news report documenting a massive oil spill on Baby Seal Beach. She convinces her mother how much it would mean for her to volunteer in the clean up. The next morning, Marge, Lisa and Maggie embark on the 400 mile trip—leaving Homer and Bart to fend for themselves. With Homer’s blessing, Bart hangs out at Springfield Park with his friends. When Milhouse’s radio-controlled airplane crashes onto the roof of a spooky-looking Victorian house near the park, Bart makes a brave effort to retrieve it. But during the ascent, Bart accidentally destroys an expensive stone gargoyle. The proprietor of the house, a woman named Belle, tells Homer that Bart must be punished for his misdeed. In turn, Homer makes his son do chores for Belle until he repays for the gargoyle.

To Bart’s surprise, Belle’s home turns out to be a burlesque house, complete with exotic showgirls and gambling tables. Bart’s enthusiasm for his work earns him a series of promotions, and when the emcee is unable to perform one night, Bart fills in for him on-stage. When the hour grows late, Homer returns to the mansion in search of his son. But he is soon distracted by the exotic dancers and wanders off into the showroom. Word of Bart’s job spreads throughout Springfield, and townspeople assemble on the front steps of the Simpson home to voice their misgivings. Homer defiantly announces that his son can work at the burlesque house if he so chooses. Marge overhears his words, having just returned from the trip.

Marge chastises Homer for his lack of parental guidance. Later, she warns Belle to close her business and leave town. At city hall, Marge convinces citizens that it’s in their best interest to demolish the old house. Later, angry townspeople, carrying sledgehammers and torches, converge on the burlesque house. Through the use of song, Homer, Belle and the exotic dancers convince the mob to spare the old dwelling. But Marge’s bulldozer slips out of gear, demolishing a large portion of the house. Later, Marge makes amends by appearing on-stage as a ventriloquist.