Divorced office worker Henry Willows is content in his uneventful life, one of his few domestic contacts being Enid, who comes in to clean for him. However his ordered existence is shattered when his seventeen year old son Matthew arrives on his door-step, having previously lived with Henry's ex-wife. Matthew claims that he was fed up at his mother's house and was keen to see his father again. A call to the ex-wife uncovers another story. Matthew was thrown out and told to move in with his father. Henry is about to find out why.

Henry and Matthew's differences in age and taste are constant and comic irritants in their daily confrontations, but they rise to new levels when the subject of education is raised and they must choose a school for Matthew.

When Matthew brings a girlfriend home, the cleaning lady finds incriminating evidence in his bedroom.

When Henry's next door neighbour's son returns from college, comparisons between Matthew and the student are inevitable. But while the neighbour boy might look to be industrious, considerate, well-mannered and a great sportsman, Matthew knows the truth.

Wine is chilling, candlesticks are on the table and Henry has shaved. Who is coming to dinner? Matthew attempts to find out.

It's Henry's wedding anniversary, but after seven years of separation there is nothing to celebrate, so he goes to the club. While he is out, Matthew welcomes a special guest into his father's home.