The strangled body of Victoria Hart is found in Windsor Great Park in the early hours of Christmas Day. Hardcastle and Marriott are sent from Scotland Yard to investigate – much to the irritation of their respective wives.
The trail leads to the Beaux Belles revue at the Windsor Empire where a scantily clad Victoria Hart persuades young men to enlist with the promise of a kiss. It seems the alluring actress had many admirers – some not quite as gentlemanly as others – and when the recruiting sergeant is also found dead, a link to the army can no longer be ignored...