J.B. Priestley's classic morality tale focuses on a seemingly joyous occasion: a party celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft.  This is not simply a marriage, but is also the joining together of two successful local businesses. 

Celebrations are curtailed, however, by the arrival of Inspector Goole who is investigating the suicide of a young girl.  The questions he asks reveal the dark secrets that also link the families.  But who is the mysterious Inspector and what does he want of them?