Queenie Shepherd (Diana Dors) rules the roost in a tower block called Margaret Rose House, Buckingham Flats. Queenie has three sons, Raymond (Freddie Fletcher), Douglas (Barrie Rutter) and Bernard (Brian Marshall), who make a living from rather shady dealing. The main 'enemy' at Margaret Rose House is Mrs Petty (Lynne Perrie), Secretary of the Residents' Association.