 Forsdyke (Leslie Phillips), a pathological petty thief subjects himself to a strict correction course run by a wealthy ex-con Widdowes (Stanley Baker) and his Crooks Anonymous organization. Forsdyke s young and innocent girlfriend Babette (Julie Christie), holds the hopes for his recovery and promises that she ll marry him if he ll reform. However, Forsdyke loses control when he s locked in a department store over Christmas.