Urbanite Larry McKay (David Niven) is a theater critic who longs to do more than watch other people's work on-stage, so he starts writing a book. But getting anything creative done is hard when you're the father of three rowdy boys. So, when Larry's wife (Doris Day) suggests they move to the country, he agrees. But the quiet life isn't as idyllic as everyone thought it would be. Is the family doomed, or can the McKays withstand the onslaught?