A philologist at a British university finds his small world coming apart just as catastrophic things seem to be happening in the big world outside.

The original play by Christopher Hampton was adapted into this made-for-television movie and it offers witty dialogue in the midst of remarkable conflict amongst its privileged characters. Philip (Ronald Pickup), his fiancée Celia (Dame Helen Mirren), and their circle of friends talk various forms of love, playwriting, and everything in-between during the course of a dinner party. Despite the fact that seismic events are unfolding in the world around them, their conversation returns to the usual subjects. Strangely enough, news of the collapse of the government and its violent aftermath doesn't perturb anyone. Even though a hit list from an obscure organization targeting twenty-five of the most eminent English writers, does elicit a slight reaction from their dinner guest, a well known novelist, who isn't sure whether to be "relieved or insulted" not to find himself on the list. However, despite the reactions (or lack thereof) to outside events, the party is not without drama of its own. As the evening progresses, couples form and love blooms, just not in the expected ways.