Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, returns home to find his father murdered and his mother remarrying the murderer, his uncle.

One day, an exceptionally beautiful girl shows up at Josua Webmann’s pawnshop to pawn a golden harp. Josua’s apprentice, Klaas, immediately sees her as an angel. That evening, she meets him again and dances with him, causing even the previously indifferent Lissy to take notice of Klaas. Meanwhile, Josua worries about his money and negotiates with an instrument dealer who makes him a generous offer for the harp. The next day, the girl and the harp have disappeared again—but she has left behind unexpected wealth.

The early stage experiences of a group of young, more or less talented aspiring actors, whose first steps on the stage are described. Among them are schoolgirls such as the coquettish Evelyne, who believes she can do anything, and the modest Gitta, who demonstrates greater willingness and skill.