Before All Creatures Great and Small, James Herriot attended Glasgow Veterinary College in the 1930's. This drama follows his early days as a student.

James suffers the pranks of his associates, makes new friends, and discovers that the lodging he had paid for doesn't exist. Thrust immediately into hard times, his newfound friends find him a room with them at the house of the eccentric Aunt Elspeth.

James is confident and inspired - but he soon discovers that a good deal more than confidence and inspiration are needed to assess the physical health of animals and, in some cases, the emotional health of his acquaintance.

As he attempts to mend sick horses, ailing sheep and a kennel of pure bred dogs, he soon discovers that life and medicine is much more complicated than he first thought; and that passion - no matter how well-intentioned - can be very deceptive guide.