What’s Good for the Goose

Timothy Bartlett, a middle-aged assistant bank manager, travels from London to Southport for a bankers' conference. On the way, two young students, Meg and Nikki, invite themselves into his car and he reluctantly agrees. He starts off annoyed by their intrusion, but their presence seeds an unexpected turn in his day.

At the conference, Bartlett finds his irritation with the girls fading as he becomes intrigued by Nikki. He begins to fantasize about spending time with her rather than focusing on work. The seeds of a possible affair take root.

Bartlett and Nikki meet again at a club where the band Pretty Things is playing. The chemistry leads to a night together at his hotel, starkly contrasting his orderly life with a wave of youth and danger.

The following day, Bartlett abandons his conference duties to pursue a perfect day with Nikki. They roam the seaside amusements, reliving his youth and soaking in the thrill of unbridled freedom.

Feeling deeply swept up in the affair, Bartlett confesses that he has fallen in love with Nikki. He rents a 'love nest' where they can spend more time together, hoping to recapture their shared excitement.

Nikki's friend Meg warns Bartlett not to get too serious, reminding him that Nikki does not want a real relationship. The warning foreshadows the fragility and transient nature of the affair.

When Bartlett returns to the love nest, he finds hippies lounging about, having sex, and the place vandalised. He also discovers Nikki in bed with a man her own age, shattering his illusion of a lasting romance.

Meg tells Bartlett that Nikki's pattern is casual and fleeting: he was 'only a two-day novelty' and Nikki has already moved on. The blow of this revelation underscores the emptiness of the 'free love' scene.

Time spent in Southport inspires Bartlett to invite his wife to join him there. He hopes to revive some of the excitement they once shared and repair his strained marriage.

His wife arrives and does not recognise him because he is wearing counterculture clothes. The surprise reunion marks a turning point as he shows her a different side of himself.

They go shopping for 'young' clothes and try to emulate the carefree vibe of Nikki's world. The act is playful and symbolic, signaling a reversal in their relationship.

Bartlett and his wife attempt to recreate the seaside day they had with Nikki, visiting the same amusements and attractions. While not identical, they discover they can have almost as much fun by adopting a new, youthful energy.

The couple embraces the notion of staying young at heart, dressing 'now', and trying new things together. The trip ends with a renewed sense of partnership and a willingness to explore life beyond their old patterns.