Rita (Julie Walters), a hairdresser with a sharp wit, is married to Denny, and at 26 doesn't want a baby. She wants to discover herself – so she joins the Open University. Dr. Frank Bryant (Michael Caine) is a disillusioned university professor of literature. His marriage has failed, his girlfriend is having an affair with his best friend and he can't get through the day without downing a bottle of whisky. He refers to himself as an appalling teacher of appalling students. What Frank needs is a challenge... along comes Rita. Willy Russell's hilarious and often moving Educating Rita tells how two people find a new lease of life through each other.