Retired prep school headmaster Lawrence Hastings has few pleasures in life. One is kite flying, until this too is spoilt by the intrusions of an irritating small boy.

Joe, chauffeur to a South American embassy, enjoys the small perks of privilege his job provides. When a coup results in the ambassador's recall, his halcyon life is upended.

A young man volunteers to work with a children's play group in a desolate London area.