In Edwardian Staffordshire, charming rogue Edward "Denry" Machin (Alec Guinness), the son of a washerwoman, believes he must give destiny a hand to rise in the world. Starting early in his youth, Denry maneuvers to get into a top public school. Later, by outwitting his employer, he becomes a rent collector, and eventually mayor. He uses the lovely Countess of Chell (Valerie Hobson) as his patron -- but Denry's ambitions are brought up short by crafty dance instructor Ruth Earp (Glynis Johns).