A young West Indian has to interrupt his rich international life to sort out some passport trouble at home. His lifestyle is very different from the simple one of his family in North London, leading to considerable tension.

An alcoholic ex-football player drinks his days away, having failed to come to terms with his sexuality and his real feelings for his football buddy who died after an ambiguous accident. His wife is crucified by her desperation to make him desire her: but he resists the affections of his wife. His reunion with his father—who is dying of cancer—jogs a host of memories and revelations for both father and son.

Harry Steffans and his coloured wife, Annie, find it difficult to rent a flat.

A mixed party of West Indian settlers arrives in London, where they encounter prejudice from the white population and integrate themselves into the existing West Indian community.