On his journey around the country, Volle has reached Copenhagen with his skarperbør. Volle is an old vagabond who loves his freedom everywhere in the world. His work provides him with just enough for the day and the road, and now and then a shot of schnapps as a bonus, and he does not demand more from life. A coincidence or one of the whims of fate if you will, makes Volle the foster father of 11-year-old Peter, son of the young widow Grete Jensen. Grete is in love with the young removal man Max Jørgensen and he with her. Peter happens to witness Max kissing his mother, he feels betrayed and runs away from home without a word. On the road he meets Volle and tells him a little lie that he has run away from guardianship...

Lis Holst desperately wants to become an actress. After failing an audition at a theater, she decides to resort to other, more drastic measures. When the director and the theater's writer go to the countryside, Lis goes with them. There, she performs a masterpiece of disguise. When the truth dawns on the theater director and the writer, they decide to take advantage of Lis, as the theater's prima donna has taken up residence. Lis is promised a leading role in the next performance, but then the prima donna recovers and wants her role back.

Choreographer August Bournonville's stirring movements are brilliantly showcased in this Royal Danish Ballet version of one of his finest works, inspired by a visit to vibrant Naples, Italy. The fairy-tale story follows passionate young fisherman Gennaro (Arne Villumsen), who searches for his beloved Teresina (Linda Hindberg) when she disappears during a storm. Vivid set designs and bright costumes add to the production's exuberance.