This television film records Ingmar Bergman’s Copenhagen stage production of Molière’s The Misanthrope, presented as a guest performance at the Royal Danish Theatre. The play centers on Alceste, a man who rejects social hypocrisy and flattery, whose rigid principles are tested by his love for the socially adept Célimène.

Palle Hagman is a charming dreamer with great and dazzling powers of persuasion. His dream is to become a big star in the entertainment world. When he gets the chance to put on a variety show, he believes that the road to success is wide open. But Palle is a great optimist, and when the setbacks become too many, he is forced to resort to "white lies" to save himself and his family...