The subject of scurrilous rumours that have seen his jealous younger wife Margaret leave him, leading London theatrical impresario Charles Pentwick arranges to take a cottage in the West Country, complete with housekeeper, to find some peace.

One of his leading stars Bobby Bentley joining him for company, upon arrival Charles is perturbed to find the regular housekeeper Mrs. Harris's daughter Molly staffing the house whilst she takes a holiday, but the pair soon settle in - Bobby immediately taken by Molly's beauty and charm.

The first real sign of their peace being shattered comes the following morning when local ex-Scoutmaster and outdoor enthusiast Clarence Mole arrives at the cottage, hoping to borrow an egg for his breakfast. An odd, wiry man, it seems inevitable that his presence will be felt during Charles and Bobby's stay.

One by one, further visitors arrive unannounced and add their own confusions to the increasingly cramped cottage: there's Charles's friend Fritzy, of whom the original scurrilous rumours also concern; his son, Dick; and eventually Margaret herself. All they need now is for Mrs. Harris herself to return earlier than expected...!