The Way to Mandalay tells the story of one of Denmark's greatest and most beloved musicians. The film takes us on a journey from Mogenson's childhood to manhood and throughout his career which spanned more than twenty years, first with great success in a popular vocal group and later as a successful solo artist. There is a long period that John Mogensen can never be satisfied and he is confused by what are the things he truely loves and is willing to do everything for. Is it the music, the stage, the fame or his family?

Filmen handler om en af Danmarks største musikpersonligheder, John Mogensen, og hans op- og nedture gennem livet som turnerende musiker, ægtemand og far. Filmen følger John gennem hans barndom, hans tid med vokalgruppen ‘Four Jacks' og senere under hans store succes med solokarrieren, indtil han i 1977 dør af et hjerteanfald forårsaget af det alt for store alkoholforbrug, der fulgte ham hele hans voksne liv.

Seuraamme rakastetun tanskalaisen muusikon John Mogensenin elämää lapsuudesta aina hänen ensimmäiseen läpimurtoonsa. Tutustumme myös vaimo Ruthiiin ja heidän myrskyisään avioliittoonsa, täynnä kärsimystä, ahdistusta ja alkoholia.