Ernesto is the teacher of the village, he is married and he is dominated by his wife. He has the passion of the theatre and he has written a drama in verse named "Il ratto delle Sabine". Unfortunately he has only an admirer and she is their servant Rosina. When the touring company of Prof. Tromboni arrives in the village, Ernesto decides to let them perform his play, though anonymously. So the day arrives and the theatre is sadly empty. But when the news that the author is the teacher spreads far and wide...

Con mucha mayor pena que gloria, Pompeo Darly, que dice de sí que está imbuido de ciencia, lleva por las salas teatrales un número de adivinación, el cual discurre siempre según las mismas pautas: realiza simulacros de hipnosis con asistentes que en realidad están compinchados con él.