The newly appointed King of Jazz (Sol Raye ) is challenged from an unexpected quarter at the coronation gig and a talent contest ensues.

Returning to England from Trinidad and Tobago for one night only, a former trickster finds that old friends and communities have moved on.

The film follows Gabriel Angel (Rakie Ayola), a young Caribbean aviator who falls in love with the forger Duncan Stewart (Jonathan Pryce) on her journey to England. Stewart is pursued by his nemesis Rex Goodyear (John Hurt), and the group are supported by Dr Angela Bead (Vanessa Redgrave) and Miss Gwendolyn Quim (Dorothy Tutin), retired missionaries who become lovers during the voyage.