It Takes a Worried Man

Insurance salesman Philip Roath, at 35, is preoccupied with his wife having left him, his hair and teeth diminishing rapidly, and his insecurity and laziness. His worries are increased when he starts talking to himself in the mirror, and his colleagues at work underline his shortcomings. He resorts to visiting an analyst but finds that gentleman is in a far worse state than he is.

Roath has a blind date; perhaps she will help restore his waning confidence. On the other hand, will she spot all his flaws of middle age? The right music and the lights down low might hide some of the defects, and hopefully she’s a a sympathetic listener-because she’ll need to be on an outing with him.

For once in his indecisive life, Roath pulls himself together, changes his attitude, starts getting fit, even plans to do some work-in fact, he almost manages to turn over a new leaf. But such decision making doesn't allow for the vagaries of fate, and Roath is consequently caught with his jogging trousers down in more ways than one.

Roath doesn't need the bathroom mirror to tell him more bits are dropping off-Lillian does that for him. She does a pretty good job on his character shortcomings as well. Meanwhile back at the office, Ruth and Napley carry on the good work. Nothing to do but turn to his analyst for help; unfortunately he's got his own problems: Gerald, for one.

Roath's many worries are affecting his night's sleep; in fact, he's so tired, he's even more ineffectual at work than usual. What a pity he's in this state on the day the head office boys stop by. And everyone seems very keen to speak their minds; unfortunately, Roath's is the recipient ear.

Roath thinks he's got problems? When ex-wife Ellen, the boss, and his analyst all take him into their confidence, he finds he's got their hang-ups to worry about, too. He thought he'd shed the responsibility of Ellen; that he only had to contend with his boss on a work level; and that Simon, his analyst, was supposed to help, not ask for it!