After developing a sudden fear of blood, successful surgeon Dr. Martin Ellingham abandons London for a general practice in a quiet Cornish hamlet.

When a nasty stomach virus hits Portwenn, half the village takes ill, and Doc thinks he has traced the virus's source to the local swimming pool.

After turning down lovely teacher Louisa's invitation to a village dance, the socially awkward Doc treats a park ranger with an unusual problem.

When one of his Aunt Joan's former beaus comes back to Portwenn to woo her, Doc must butt in after discovering the man has a serious heart condition.

Upon discovering Doc's fear of blood, the village starts buzzing with the news. Bert insists on playing a practical joke, but Doc isn't laughing.