Rafe Crompton is not a stern man but has such unswerving integrity that his family is forced to hide slight peccadilloes from him. His daughter Hilda particularly resents this and her refusal to eat a herring that is placed before her at dinner makes the situation explosive. The family is almost broken up before Rafe is made to see the dangers in his attitudes, and they are reunited in an atmosphere more progressive and tolerant.

Just a year into marriage and with a young baby to care for, Joe is one of three million unemployed looking for work every day - when he'd much rather be spending time with his young wife, Madge.