This seven-part series from ATV was set in the Victorian era and based on a story published in 1882 by F. Anstey, the pseudonym of Thomas Anstey Guthrie. 13-year-old Dick Bultitude (Paul Spurrier) wishes he didn’t have to return to school, but having made his wish over the magical Garuda stone – a talisman given to him by his Uncle Marmaduke (Jeremy Child) – he finds himself magically transformed into his dapper but pompous 42-year-old businessman father Paul (Peter Bowles) – and vice versa.
Episode 1
Paul Spurrier is given a magical stone and unknowingly wishes to be his father to skip school duties. His wish comes true and he and his father swap bodies. Classic novel about young Dick Bultitude and his pompous father Paul whose roles are reversed by the magic of the Garuda Stone.
Episode 2
Dick and his father Paul have changed bodies. At boarding school; Dick is becoming very unpopular while, in London, Paul enjoys his adult freedom.
Episode 3
Since Dick magically changed bodies with his father! schooldays have been going badly for "Dick”.
Episode 4
Paul Bultitude, having been changed by magic into his son, Dick, angers the headmaster with his adult behavior, while Dick, who has been changed into his father, befriends the office boy.
Episode 5
The magic of the Garuda stone is still working on Dick Bultltude and his father, Paul, who are occupying each other's bodies. "Dick's" problems at school have been made worse by his rejection of the affections of Dulcie Grimstone. "Paul," in London finds that the middle-aged body he's inhabiting won't stand his pace of life and is taken ill.
Episode 6
"Paul" Bultitude has given Marmaduke Paradine power of attorney to run the business, and has recovered from his illness by using Barbara's wish on the Garuda stone. "Dick" Bultitude at Crichton House School is awaiting a caning for receiving a note from a female admirer in church.
Episode 7
In the final episode Paul and Dick both realise they were happier in their own bodies, and go about switching back.
