Professor Robert Leaf is deeply suspicious of the emphasis placed on science within his university, so he tries to suffuse a love of art and music within his two children. Needless to say, he and his wife Vina are slightly horrified to discover that their young son Erasmus is a mathematical genius with a noticeable disinterest in music or art. Thinking only about using Erasmus’ gift for his own benefit, his older friend Kenneth immediately comes up with a plan to make a killing at the racetrack. Working out a deal with his less-than-altruistic buddy, Erasmus agrees to help pick racehorses if Kenneth helps him meet his idol, Brigitte Bardot.