Tom Jones (Albert Finney), a presumed bastard child, is taken in and raised as the child of an English gentleman. Tom is a likeable, devil-may-care chap in adulthood, with a great love for the beautiful Sophie Western (Susannah York) but an inability to resist the advances of any other attractive lady. This fault, and the jealousy of others like Blifil, the heir of Tom's benefactor, result in Tom's banishment. But despite his weakness for women and countless misunderstandings, Tom eventually finds his rightful place in life and love.