Before Lunch

Jack Middleton is not an easy man to get on with. Fortunately, the only person who can is Mrs Middleton. Jack's sister Lilian and her two stepchildren Daphne and Denis have planned to spend the summer in the house next door and, true to form, Jack is dreading it. Daphne is far too lively for his taste and Denis is not lively enough. When the trio arrive, however, they captivate the Barchester village with their wit, charm and music. In no time many of the local residents - not least of all Lord and Lady Bond, Lord Stoke and a great many more - are in the palms of their hands. Even Jack himself is ripe for conversation. Before Lunch is a delightful social comedy of village life before the war.