Turai and his collaborator bring their young composer, Albert, on a surprise visit to an Italian castle with their prima donna, Ilona, who is engaged to Albert. The fun includes many acidulous comments on the arts of acting and playmaking. Their casual treatment of the audience and their own blasé manners are riotous examples of underplaying. In the midst of it all, the impassioned young Albert overhears his beloved making love to someone in her boudoir. Turai tells him it is all a monstrous mistake and tries to make it appear that the passionate scene was a rehearsal for a new play. To support his fabrication, he stays up all night to write a play that includes the lines Albert overheard. The next day there is a public rehearsal; the suggestive dialogue is reborn as innocent and meaningless prank.
