Julian Wintle/Leslie Parkyn Productions

In early 1960s Northern England, Frank Machin is mean, tough and ambitious enough to become an immediate star in the rugby league team run by local employer Weaver.

At the end of a successful military career, womanising Leo Fitzjohn retires to his countryside manor with his unbearable family. When his platonic French mistress Ghislaine arrives at the door, Fitzjohn is prepared to take the relationship to the next level. However, Fitzjohn must compete for Ghislaine's affections against his own aide.