Count De Grancé have two degenerate children. For the adolescent daughter there is still some hope, as her main vice appears to be that she devours the novels of Emile Zola. The son leads a dissolute life in gambling dens, where he cheats at cards, and in night-clubs he associates with dancers. [As of 2024, it appears only a 12-minute fragment of the film survives, at EYE Filmmuseum.]

Worried about the ‘declining morals’ of 1950s Amsterdam, taxi driver Piet Amstel decides to emigrate to Australia. The government drive to build atomic shelters and the incessant Dutch rain only strengthen his purpose, as Amstel figures sunny Australia would make a positive change for his family. But first he needs to bring his daughter and her criminal boyfriend back on the right path.

Comedian Wim Sonneveld wants to quit his most beloved character, organ grinder Willem Parel. Parel, however, has his own opinion on the subject and decides to save himself from his creator. After leaving the dressing room poster, Parel sets out into the Netherlands to start a organ grinders revolt.

Sick and tired of living in poverty in post-war Germany, Fred Bogner has left his wife Käte with their three children. They continue to meet on a casual basis every time Fred can find money enough to book a hotel room. Based on the German novel 'Und sagte kein einziges Wort' by Heinrich Böll.