Thompson's screenplay was based on Brand's 1960s 'Nurse Matilda' stories. Firth stars as the widower Cedric Brown trying to cope with his seven unruly children. When it gets too much he retreats to his study to talk to his adored late wife's empty chair. His Aunt (Lansbury) demands he re-marry or she will remove he financial support. The children have rid themselves of 17 previous nannies through stage-managed campaigns of atrocious conduct.

Nanny McPhee (Thompson) arrives out of thin air to teach the family five simple lessons. This Nanny has magical powers and, in the best tradition, she has a most peculiar front tooth, hideous wart and a magical cane. A potential step-mother, played with gusto by Imrie, has plans to dispatch the children to boarding school while Brown almost misses his chance to win the adoring maid (Macdonald) who comes into a fortune of her own.

The story is played in the pantomime tradition so don't expect subtlety and the young members of the cast are a riot, especially when they are let loose in the kitchen. If you have youngsters, or are young at heart, this film is a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon.