The film is about real-life Polish-American polka band leader Jan Lewan, who was imprisoned in 2004 for running a Ponzi scheme.

The film stars Jack Black as Lewan, as well as Jenny Slate, Jason Schwartzman, and Jacki Weaver.

Near the close of the show, he brings his wife Marla (Slate) onstage, who models amber jewelry they sell at their souvenir store.

After the concert, Jan recounts to a happy concertgoer how he emigrated from Poland, ending up in America working every menial job available until he saved enough to begin the band.

Mickey and his bandmates suspect that Jan has gotten in over his head and cites rumors such as a woman in a costume will be a "dancing bear act".

The state Securities and Exchange Commission office discovers Jan is taking on investors and sends investigator Ron Edwards (Smoove) to meet with him.

The elderly couple who have been his chief investors are among them, which would blow his Ponzi scheme sky high, but Jan dissuades them from leaving by offering them his top rate of 20% annual return.

Principal photography on the film began in mid-July 2016 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and later it also took place in Woonsocket and Cranston.

The website's critics consensus reads: "Despite moments of hilarity and a talented ensemble, discordant direction and a sloppy script keep The Polka King from truly singing.