In contemporary Victorian London, a father and son switch places by means of a magic talisman from India, thus live each other's lives, and gain a better understanding for each other before they switch back.
Dick Bultitude is gifted a magical talisman by his uncle and unknowingly wishes to be his father Paul in order to skip school duties. His wish comes true and he and his father swap bodies.
Dick and his father Paul have changed bodies. At boarding school; Dick is becoming very unpopular while, in London, Paul enjoys his adult freedom.
Since Dick magically changed bodies with his father! schooldays have been going badly for "Dick”.
Paul Bultitude, having been changed by magic into his son, Dick, angers the headmaster with his adult behavior, while Dick, who has been changed into his father, befriends the office boy.
The magic of the Garuda stone is still working on Dick Bultltude and his father, Paul, who are occupying each other's bodies. "Dick's" problems at school have been made worse by his rejection of the affections of Dulcie Grimstone. "Paul," in London finds that the middle-aged body he's inhabiting won't stand his pace of life and is taken ill.
"Paul" Bultitude has given Marmaduke Paradine power of attorney to run the business, and has recovered from his illness by using Barbara's wish on the Garuda stone. "Dick" Bultitude at Crichton House School is awaiting a caning for receiving a note from a female admirer in church.
In the final episode Paul and Dick both realise they were happier in their own bodies, and go about switching back.