Lawrence McKay (David Niven) is a university professor who takes a job as a New York drama critic. He and his wife, Kate (Doris Day), and family have all been forced to move out in to the country, basically starting a new home and life. The troubles begin for the family more when Larry starts out his new job by giving a less than happy review of an old friend's production. This leads to alienation and the attentions of Deborah Vaughn (Janis Paige), Broadway diva, and star who was negatively affected by his review as well. Soon the family has all that they can handle as Larry and Kate try to survive their new life.