A Russian countess stows away in the stateroom of a married U.S. diplomat bound for New York.

Fellini exposes his great attraction for the clowns and the world of the circus first recalling a childhood experience when the circus arrives nearby his home. Then he joins his crew and travel from Italy to Paris chasing the last greatest European clowns still live in these countries. He also meets Anita Ekberg trying to buy a panther in a circus.

A revealing exploration of Chaplin’s Romani heritage constructed from intimate interviews, film extracts, home movies and contributions from renowned contemporary Romani artists.