Rita, a witty 26-year-old hairdresser, wants to 'discover' herself, so she joins the Open University where she meets the disillusioned professor of literature, Dr. Frank Bryant. His marriage has failed, his new girlfriend is having an affair with his best friend and he can't get through the day without downing a bottle or two of whisky. What Frank needs is a challenge... and along comes Rita.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Michael CaineDr. Frank Bryant | Dr. Frank Bryant |
 Julie WaltersRita Susan White | Rita Susan White |
 Michael WilliamsBrian | Brian |
 Maureen LipmanTrish | Trish |
 Jeananne CrowleyJulia | Julia |
 Malcolm DouglasDenny | Denny |
 Godfrey QuigleyRita's Father | Rita's Father |
 Dearbhla MolloyElaine | Elaine |
| KKim FortuneCollins | Collins |
| PPat DalyBursar | Bursar |
| PPhilip Hurd-WoodTiger | Tiger |
 Christopher CassonProfessor | Professor |
 Hilary ReynoldsLesley | Lesley |
 Jack WalshPrice | Price |
| RRosamund BurtonDenise | Denise |
| MMarcus O'HigginsMarcus | Marcus |
| MMark DrewDisco Manager | Disco Manager |
 Gabrielle ReidyBarbara | Barbara |
 Des NealonInvigilator | Invigilator |
| MMarie ConmeeCustomer in Hairdressers | Customer in Hairdressers |
 Oliver MaguireTutor | Tutor |
| DDerry PowerPhotographer | Photographer |
 Alan StanfordBistro Manager | Bistro Manager |
| GGerry SullivanSecurity Officer | Security Officer |
| PPatricia JeffaresRita's Mother | Rita's Mother |
 Maeve GermaineSandra | Sandra |
| LLiam StackSandra's Fiance | Sandra's Fiance |
| PPaul MarkeyWedding Guest | Wedding Guest |