In a desperate bid to save his political career, scheming Home Secretary David Hanratty resigns from an unpopular Conservative government to join forces with the Labour Party and its charismatic new leader Tom Peel.

Ireland, 1941: while the rest of Europe is at war, the inhabitants of Kinalty Castle find themselves overwhelmed by uncontrollable feelings of lust and passion. Before long, Charlie Raunce, the castle's butler, has fallen head over heels in love with Edith the housemaid.