Alf has worked as a compositor for 42 years with the one company. In the last seven of those years the industry, and Alf's job, have undergone tremendous changes. The film looks at the effects of the uncertain situation on Alf's family and homelife in the context of the past promises of a better future after automation. Is the technological revolution going to provide the promised golden age or, have we been sold a Clockwork Lemon?