In a modern-day Los Angeles where guns are outlawed, and the rich and powerful settle their disputes in the dueling arena, the Yorks and Lancasters - rival branches of the former England Studios - vie for supremacy.

"Now is the winter of our discontent…" With this, Duke Richard - lounging on his sundeck - sets his murderous plans in motion. His goal: to eliminate the hated rival Lancaster dynasty, and reign as undisputed king. Standing between him and the throne are his brothers Clarence and King Edward, his nephews the Princes, his bitter adversary Queen Elizabeth, and a host of enemies, rivals, and dubious allies.

In the Los Angeles of "Shakespeare's Richard III", violence is the norm: every member of the nobility expects to kill or be killed, according to the code duello. They prefer death before dishonor. The women in this society are just as dangerous, courageous, and brutal as the men. The York and Lancaster families - rival branches of the former England Studios - exert a mafia-like control of the city and local politics/law enforcement.

Aided by his sinister counselor Buckingham, Richard will stop at nothing - seduction, bribery, conspiracy, and wholesale slaughter - in his bloodthirsty quest, until finally just one adversary remains: his archrival Lord Richmond.

But why, as the opposing forces join battle, is Richard smiling? What does he know that Richmond doesn't…..?