Village teacher Ernesto is dominated by his wife. He has a passion for the theatre and has written a drama in verse called "Il Ratto delle Sabine". Unfortunately, his only admirer is their servant Rosina. When the traveling company of Professor Tromboni arrives in the village, Ernesto decides to let them perform his play anonymously. When the day arrives, the theatre is sadly empty, but then the news spreads that the author is the teacher..