The Hardacre family all work on the docks at a Yorkshire fishing port. An accident and an argument cause a downturn in fortunes. However, matriarch Mary hatches a scheme which results in the family rapidly moving up in the world

The family grapples with their new life. Mary is determined to impress their neighbours.

Sam hopes giving Joe responsibility will be the making of him but he gets off to a rocky start.

Mary and Ma attend their first charitable outing with the society ladies.

The board threatens Sam with an ultimatum.

The Hardacres set things to right but an unexpected bombshell lands.