Aunt Clara

Simon dies and leaves Clara the bulk of his estate—the house, six racing greyhounds, a crooked game, a pub, and a brothel—because she has looked after him and cared for others at his 80th birthday party. He also notes she alone will see to the dependents. Clara decides to run the properties and keep Simon's loyal valet Henry on.

Clara keeps Henry Martin on as her aide to manage the estate and businesses. Together they begin operating the pub, the brothel, and the crooked game, with him at her side. The arrangement signals a practical partnership in a family enterprise.

Clara learns that Julie Mason, the supposed natural daughter, has disappeared. She also discovers that Julie was to receive £20 a month for life. Clara hires solicitor Charles Willis to locate Julie, only to learn he is dining with Julie that very evening at the funeral.

Clara learns Fosdick, the man running Gambler's Luck, will be at Epsom Downs, so she goes to meet him. With police closing in, Fosdick hastily departs, and Clara ends up in charge of the illegal wheel of fortune.

After taking charge of the operation, Clara and Henry are taken into custody by the authorities. Charles Willis arrives and clears up the matter, removing the immediate danger from Clara.

Alfie and Lily Pearce deceive Clara by presenting training dogs they claim are champions, though the dogs are far from it. Clara begins to realize the deception hides more than just poor results. The ruse foreshadows the risky politics behind the racing operation.

Charles discovers that the Masons have not paid Julie her monthly allowance. The family tries to explain themselves, but Cyril Mason reveals their motive: Julie has no morals. Charles punches Cyril in the confrontation.

In private, Cyril tells Charles the true reason for withholding Julie's money, but the moment is cut short by the punch. Later Charles and Julie marry, aligning themselves within the family business's fallout.

Clara puts on a fundraiser for a children's holiday fund, but donations are meagre. Henry seizes the moment and invites patrons to try Gambler's Luck, turning part of the event into a gambling demonstration. Clara then offers Fosdick the game with the condition that half the winnings go to her charity.

Clara hands the Gambler's Luck operation to Fosdick, stipulating that half the winnings go to her charity. This move ties the illegal game to her public fundraising, aiming to control the flow of funds.

On race day, Alfie substitutes a champion for his perennial loser and Clara feeds the dog hot dogs to sabotage the rival. The plan backfires on Alfie and Henry, costing them money and giving Clara a winning bet on another dog. The outcome exposes the corruption behind the betting.

Clara reimburses Alfie and Henry for their losses and hints that Alfie will play fair from now on. Her action suggests she seeks to maintain order in the enterprise while still benefiting from winning bets.

Clara visits brothel-owner Gladys Smith and her aging workers, explaining that they are her last responsibility from Uncle Simon. The moment underscores Clara's commitment to those dependent on her.

Clara dies and her will leaves the house and funds to support the women. The pub goes to Henry, ensuring the continuation of the family businesses in a way that honors Clara's stewardship.