Inspired by Edmond Rostand's 1897 play, this 1938 BBC Television studio production retells the comic and heroic drama of the 17th-century Gascon swordsman, poet, and philosopher, Cyrano de Bergerac (1990). Secretly and passionately in love with beautiful Roxane, Cyrano, who is embarrassed by his elongated nose, is shocked to find out that she has fallen head-over-heels in love with the handsome but superficial recruit to the Cadets de Gascogne, Christian de Neuvillette. As a result, convinced that he stands no chance against the handsome but tongue-tied suitor, Cyrano steps aside and becomes Christian's tutor in the delicate matters of love, composing poems and ardent letters to help him woo Roxane.

The Driver specializes in driving getaway cars for robberies. His exceptional talent has prevented him from being caught yet. After another successful flight from the police a self-assured detective makes it his primary goal to catch the Driver. He promises pardons to a gang if they help to convict him in a set-up robbery. The Driver seeks help from The Player to mislead the detective.