In 1940 the East End of London is taking a terrible pounding from Hitler's bombs. Life, however, goes on, centring around the matriarchal Mrs. Blitztein and her large family, especially her petty-criminal son Harry and her beautiful daughter Carol. They all fight their own particular battles with neighbours and authorities alike, through many situations, many humorous, some tragic, and eventually find their own individual peace. Providing scope for a large cast, it features many hit songs, including "The Day After Tomorrow", "Who's This Geezer Hitler?", and "Mums and Dads".