A Russian Jewish émigré, inventor Samuel Petrukhin owns a factory that manufactures hearing aids, and he caters to various high profile clients, including former Prime Minister Winston Churchill. He has recently invented the "bleeper" — or, as his colleague Courtney refers to it, the pager — but he's struggling to find buyers, as members of the British aristocracy dislike the idea of being summoned like house servants.
Samuel has high aspirations for his two children, sending his daughter Hannah to debutante classes and his young son Sasha to boarding school. He's also keen to keep up the appearance of wealth and social position, posting Sasha a hand-held radio, and also buying a large television set for the home.
A chance encounter with the wealthy Shaws leads to a business opportunity for Samuel, after he's invited to their home to fit an elderly aunt with a hearing aid.
