Michael harbours an ambition to direct 'Macbeth', and gets his chance with the autumn production of the Shellsfoot Thespians. He encounters many problems - from not being able to find enough men to cast the play, to incurring the wrath of grande dame Geraldine by not giving her the part of Lady Macbeth. He casts his wife in the part opposite Frank, unaware that they are having an affair. It soon appears that the jinx surrounding the play extends to amateur productions and to Michael's life, but he remains determined to get the show on at any cost - which eventually includes both his job and his marriage.