When twelve ageing musicians are devastated by their exclusion from a breakaway orchestra, TV film composer Frank Morrison sets out to repair the damage and give them a new sense of purpose, by forming a retro dance band. After a hesitant start, they are soon reproducing the wonderful romantic sounds of the 1930s and before long, dedication and soaring enthusiasm lead to a string of successful engagements. Meanwhile, Frank's personal life becomes increasingly complex with the involvement of the athletic and appealing Regional Produce Candidate and the enigmatic Sarah. His professional life is no less hectic: he is soon working flat out with an impossible workload and, in his exhausted state, he still has to prepare the band for the most demanding gig of all.