Maurice and Ian are successful but aging actors, close friends whose conversation revolves around theatrical shop talk and the infirmities of septuagenarianism. Ian in particular is fearful that death is right around the corner, so he agrees to let his niece's daughter Jessie move in to his flat to care for him. Jessie, a provincial girl in her early twenties, turns out to be a nightmare for Ian, a hard-drinking, rude, and dismissive twerp. But Maurice sees something else in the girl, a potential for humanity which blossoms under his kindness and gentle guidance. Something else blossoms, for Maurice, as well: romantic love for a girl fifty years younger. Surprises follow, all around.

Hanif Kureishi said that Junichiro Tanizaki's novella, Diary of a Mad Old Man, is the inspiration behind the story.

Maurice:
For most men, a woman's body is the most beautiful thing they will ever see.


Jessie:
What's the most beautiful thing a girl sees? Do you know?


Maurice:
Her first child.

Continuity: In the newspaper fight scene in the restaurant, the waitress is seen about a foot behind Maurice as he is initially attacked. From the opposite camera angle, the waitress alternates between being missing or about ten feet away.

Composed & Performed by Gordon Higgins & Steve Wright
Published by The Mersey Music Company Ltd.