The peaceful lives of the Turnham Malpas villagers are disrupted when a famous actor comes to stay. Hugo is soon bored, and becomes attracted to Caroline, the rector's wife. He agrees to direct and star in a village play with Caroline as his leading lady, but her husband, Peter, aware of the attraction, tries to prevent a potentially heartbreaking situation. Preparations for the play turn many lives upside down as the villagers throw themselves into their new roles.