

In 1899, lives the eccentric Mooney family who reside in a large house in rural England. The invalid patriarch 'Pa' Mooney is a retired medical doctor who claims to be 180 years old. His eldest daughter, Phoebe, more or less cares for him and is head of the household. His eldest son, Mortimer, is a businessman who conducts the finances and contributes to the income. Younger daughter Monica is a sadist who keeps live rats as pets and frequently mutilates them and other small animals.