Henry Palfrey (Ian Carmichael) is one of life's losers. Despised and disregarded at work, his prospective girlfriend April (Janette Scott) is whisked from under his nose by charming bounder Raymond Delauney (Terry-Thomas). In desperation, Henry enrols at Stephen Potter's (Alastair Sim) College of Lifemanship, where he gradually learns how to get one up on the other fellow.

The first four films from the hugely popular 'Carry On' series. In 'Carry On Sergeant' (1958), a sergeant (William Hartnell) takes a bet that the last recruits he trains will win the 'Star Squad' award. The sergeant's inept young charges include Bob Monkhouse, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey and Kenneth Connor. In 'Carry On Teacher' (1959), trouble erupts at a secondary school when inspectors arrive to evaluate the teachers' work. A group of pupils (led by a youthful Richard O'Sullivan) who don't want their teacher transferred to a different job play up. In 'Carry On Nurse' (1959), the patients in a men's hospital ward decide to revolt against the staff, as led by the indomitable Matron (Hattie Jacques). Finally, in 'Carry On Constable' (1959), police sergeant Wilkins (Sid James) has a new batch of dubious recruits on his hands, whose idea of covert surveillance involves dressing up in drag.