Somerset Maugham himself introduces these adaptations of his short stories. “The Facts of Life”: a highly entertaining story about a young man’s trip to Monte Carlo, where he ignores his father’s parting advice, and emerges from the experience better off. “The Alien Corn”: a young man (Dirk Bogarde) is determined to become a concert pianist, despite his parents’ objections. “The Kite”: Herbert’s marriage falls apart because of his obsession with flying kites. “The Colonel’s Lady”: a stuffy retired colonel is baffled by the discovery that his wife has a reputation as a passionate poetess.