Fortune's Fool is set on a wealthy family's country estate, where a nobleman (Alan Bates) who's been cheated out of his fortune has been given shelter for many years. When the newly married young heiress (Enid Graham) of the family returns home with her husband (Benedick Bates), the poor man worries that he may be asked to leave the house. That night at a celebratory dinner, a rich and overbearing neighbor (Frank Langella) goads him into drinking too much and making a speech. While the neighbor's aim was to embarrass him in front of the guests, the nobleman makes an announcement that leaves them thunderstruck.