In a case of mistaken identity, John Smallwood (Peter Sellers), an idealistic British reverend with socialist beliefs, is appointed to a village parish populated by elitist landed gentry. There his conscience and acts of charity quickly become unpopular with the parishioners, who reveal a selfish and un-Christian disdain for those less fortunate who the reverend welcomes to the parish. Things really go awry, however, when Smallwood's actions endanger the village's primary source of income.