The rantings and ravings of distinguished but pompous House Surgeon Sir Lancelot Spratt (James Robertson Justice) have always been commonplace in the corridors of St. Swithin's Hospital, so when he becomes strangely quiet the hospital becomes positively puzzled. Their curiosity turns to disbelief when he then becomes gentle and considerate.
Fortunately, Sir Lancelot has an invaluable ally to help with his affliction - one time medical student Dr Simon Sparrow (Dirk Bogarde) who soon diagnoses the trouble - love.
Although Simon finds the cause, dispensing a cure proves much more difficult, especially with his own love life becoming ever more complex. The enchanting Delia (Samantha Eggar) is taking up most of his attentions and her acting career is taking up everything else.
Can poor Simon cope?