In this TV adaptation of the Harold Pinter classic, a seedy poet (Gielgud) shows up at the home of a rich writer (Richardson) and they start reminiscing about the "past."A seedy ostensible poet, Spooner, visits the home of his wealthy and successful counterpart, Hirst. Their conversation suggests that they have come there after meeting in a pub. Further conversation suggests that they knew each other at university and share acquaintances and perhaps even lovers. Hirst's associates/assistants Foster and Briggs do their best to intimidate Spooner.