After agreeing to house sit for friend Ronnie Shooter, Ralph Gorse meets solicitor Donald Stimpson for the first time, Stimpson makes the mistake of introducing him to middle-aged Joan Plumleigh-Bruce (with whom Stimpson has 'expectations'). Plumleigh-Bruce is immediately smitten, Ralph meanwhile spots the chance to talk Joan into investing in a business opportunity. Gorse also falls for posh Clarice Manners whom he meets at a 'den of iniquity' with Stimpson.

After agreeing to house sit for friend Ronnie Shooter, Ralph Gorse meets solicitor Donald Stimpson for the first time, Stimpson makes the mistake of introducing him to middle-aged Joan Plumleigh-Bruce (with whom Stimpson has 'expectations'). Plumleigh-Bruce is immediately smitten, Ralph meanwhile spots the chance to talk Joan into investing in a business opportunity. Gorse also falls for posh Clarice Manners whom he meets at a 'den of iniquity' with Stimpson.

Having swindled Joan Plumleigh-Bruce out of £1,000 Ralph has quickly spent it and is now cashing dud cheques. Once more down on his luck Ralph takes back an old car selling job with Harold Bennett, later he is tracked down by Stimpson and Plumleigh-Bruce but having got Bennett's daughter Pamela pregnant manages to wangle his way out of his problems.

Ralph, having married Pamela as a way out of his financial difficulties is now feeling more trapped than ever, after having their new house, paid for by Bennett, signed over to him, Ralph plans to get his wife out of the way and tries a spot of arson for the insurance money, his wife however has stayed at home after rowing with her parents. Following Pamela's death the insurance company are none too happy about the circumstances and refuse to pay out.

The body of the man Ralph took the RAF uniform from is washed up on the beach, its reported that the body is Ralph. Stimpson and Plumleigh-Bruce head down to Brighton and it looks like the net is closing in on Ralph. Alison has also realised the truth about Gorse leaving Ralph once again resorting to murder. Gorse then tries to run but doesn't get far before the hangman's noose tightens.