When estate agent Trevor Mountjoy (George Cole) arrives home from the office to be offered a drink by his wife, Mary (Rosalind Ayres), he immediately suspects something's wrong. He's right, Mary's black sheep brother Howard (Peter Bowles) is out of prison after serving two years for embezzlement and Mary wants him to stay with them. Trevor is horrified, he can't stand Howard because he always manages to make him feel inferior
Howard plays host at the local night spot. It's popular and very expensive. Unfortunately Howard has neither booked nor has the money. With his rich tastes, this can only spell disaster.
Whilst serving a term of imprisonment Howard studied creative writing. Unfortunately his imagination runs away with him and he confuses his amorous advances towards a young and wealthy widow with the writings of a famous author.
To his brother-in-law's horror, Howard announces that he has an appointment with the local bank manager. However, he needs security if he is to get a loan, and if you are penniless, security is hard to find - but not for Howard.
Howard is smitten by the next door neighbour, a young, wealthy and attractive widow. He decides that a very costly gift will not only impress but also improve his chances. Unfortunately he is financially embarrassed, but this does not prevent him visiting the local jeweller.
On a visit to the local store he meets his ex cell mate indulging in a little shoplifting. Howard needs all his wits to escape discovery and talk himself out of a compromising situation.
Howard's attraction to the rich, young widow next door is heightened when he discovers that there is a rival for her attractions. Howard decides to take measures, unfortunately with disastrous results.
Howard is staying with his sister and brother-in-law. His sister is away on a protracted visit which lends to specualtion of the wildest kind.
Howard starts his own Matrimonial Agency and we meet some of his clients who have been programmed through the computer.
A series of thefts in the neighbourhood carried out with a distinctive style attract the attention of the local police and casts suspicion upon our hero.
Howard is smitten by the next door neighbour, a young, wealthy attractive widow. Unfortunately, she has bought an Alsatian as a guard dog and Howard finds the animal extremely efficient.
Howard persuades Trevor that his wife has been swept off her feet by the insurance man, but it is Howard who needs third party cover.
Howard meets another ex-convict, a first class forger, who is selling pictures. Howard gets him a commission, but the portrait is not a perfect likeness.
Howard insists on accompanying his brother-in-law to social functions with disastrous results.
