Albert Finney both directs and stars in this British comedy drama about a successful writer's attempts to reconnect with his working-class roots and estranged family. After becoming hugely wealthy and successful as a novelist in swinging sixties Britain, Charlie Bubbles' (Finney) indulgent lifestyle is wearing a little thin. Convinced he can fend off the boredom in his life, he takes to drinking and has an affair with his young American secretary (Liza Minnelli). But, as his midlife crisis unfolds, he starts to question his motivation and luxurious lifestyle. Finally realising he has to rediscover the basic human emotions that are missing in his life, he sets out to revisit his northern roots and, in particular, his estranged wife Lottie (Billie Whitelaw) and son Jack (Timothy Garland).