Emmeline Lucas (Lucia to her friends) is now a permanent resident of the ancient and enlightened town of Tilling, a most distressing truth for her arch rival Miss Elizabeth Mapp. Despite living in Mallards Cottage, which should be the centre of social life in the town, Miss Mapp is nevertheless unnerved by Lucia's challenges to her social supremacy.

Making attempts at the town council, a platonic marriage and even the village cricket club, Lucia employs her most dazzling ingenuity and cunning as the pair battle for control.

E. F. Benson's classic series of wit and snobbery continue apace in this glorious comedy.