Naples, second half of the 19th century: impoverished Felice Sciosciamocca tries to work as a scribe for illiterate people, while his friend Don Pasquale tries to make photographs for rich couples.

Meanwhile, in the house where the two live, their wives start to fight because the apartment is mortgaged, and the women don't have money to pay the rent.

Luckily, rich Count Eugenio, in love with the beautiful dancer Gemma, asks Pasquale and Felice to stage a farce for him.

The young count entrusts a false part to each of the members of the two families, except for the second wife of Felice, Concetta.

While Felice and Pasquale are arguing in the beautiful villa of Don Gaetano, Concetta bursts into the home and tries to compromise the plan organized by Eugenio.