Rita, a hairdresser with a sharp wit, is married to Denny, and at 26 doesn't want a baby. She wants to discover herself - so she joins the Open University. Dr. Frank Bryant is a disillusioned university professor of literature. His marriage has failed, his girlfriend is having an affair with his best friend and he can't get through the day without downing a bottle or two of whisky. He refers to himself as an appalling teacher of appalling students. What Frank needs is a challenge....along comes Rita. In this hilarious and often moving drama, the story tells how two people find a new lease of life through each other.