On New Years Eve, 1899, baronet's son Edward Courtney becomes engaged to Kate, his mother's maid, much to the scandal of London society. The film then follows their family through four generations, with separations, joys, tragedies, and service in the Boer War, WWI, and WWII.

Michael Wilding
as Sir Edward Courtney

Anna Neagle
as Kate O'Halloran

Gladys Young
as Lady Courtney

Daphne Slater
as Cynthia Carmody

Jack Watling
as Teddy Courtney

Michael Medwin
as Edward Courtney

Edgar Norfolk
as Mr. W.

G.H. Mulcaster
as Sir Edward Courtney Sr.

Coral Browne
as Valerie

Alice Gachet
as Louise