A not-so-musically-inclined band of outlaws pose as a group of amateur musicians, while secretly plotting a major heist. But the sweet landlady, who rents them their "digs," proves to be too much for these cutthroats. They decide to get rid of her ... a task they find easier said than done.

Impatient to become duke, the ninth in line decides to eliminate the eight relatives standing in his way in this tart black comedy. Obstructing the path to his title is Alec Guinness, in one of his greatest performances, playing all eight relatives.

Dennis Price plays as an embittered young commoner determined to avenge his mother's unjust disinheritance by ascending to the dukedom. Unfortunately, eight relatives (all played by the incomparable Guinness) must be eliminated before he can do so.