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.

Judy Aalders grows up in an orphanage. Albert Woudenberg happens to be present when Judy confronts the trustees of the orphanage and is expelled. He decides to send her to university and Judy, who has only ever seen his shadowy long legs, refers to him as 'Daddy-Long-Legs' from that day. Not knowing he is in fact her benefactor, Judy's relationship with Albert gradually turns into love.

Three students decide to share a flat, each courting a young woman. While they pass the time teasing their rival Piet Janssen (de Klit) and nosy neighbour Mr. Smallebroek, rumours and arguments threaten to drive the boys and their crushes apart.

Novelist Philip wants to employ a beautiful young secretary, much to his wife Inez' disgust. After a particularly nasty scene, he packs his bags and leaves. Shortly after, his father-in-law arrives from Indonesia, mistaking family friend Willem for his son-in-law. Willem falls in love with Fientje Peters, the secretary in question, who has another admirer in Mr Bakker, the chief clerk at the hotel, who in turn is worshipped by his own secretary -- a tough tangle to sort out.

Still coming to terms with the death of her mother, Willy Verhulst loses her father as well -- just as she is about to sit her final exams. She manages to pass, and as she is trying to find a job she remembers a young man she met in the hospital. The boy, Herder, works for a radio station and gives her a job as a secretary.