Ninni and his father Amelio wish to redeem their modest lifestyle. An opportunity will arise when the father, who works as an Elvis lookalike, is called to perform in a rich seaside resort. On that night, however, Ninni will be forced to come to terms with the harsh reality of the real world.

A solitary, disappointed, proud and educated old man meets and becomes the teacher of an intelligent, clumsy, middle-class, young would-be writer.