Film opens with the following pre-title message in red print on a black background: "It was exactly 20 years ago that the legendary Palace Amusements in Asbury Park, NJ closed down after 100 years. The building was torn down and the rides were sold. Tillie, the iconic and beloved mural, is removed and stored in an unmarked box on the North End of the Boardwalk. In 2019 Asbury Park becomes an international destination and Tillie's image is seen everywhere. However, the actual Tillie is forgotten. Waiting to be found again...".