"The Upstart" is set in 1898 in England and it is a captivating tale of love and betrayal. This is a time when ones economic standing defined who they were. Sam Fairbrother raises himself in power and influence by being a shrewd manufacturer and retailer of boots, shoes and clogs. In that he is now in a new station in life, he needs to be a property owner. He buys a stately manor house and inherits a complete staff including a butler (Roger Maitland) who has nothing but disdain for his new boss. There becomes a clash of will between butler and boss that soon puts Sam at a disadvantage. Janet his oldest daughter sees trouble coming and as she watches her younger siblings self-destruct she turns to the butler for help. She finds the courage to oppose her selfish father which at that time was not easy. She attempts to reconcile the scattered family.