Pálma, the spoilt daughter of the rich manufacturer, is a true monster in the house. The house staff flee her and even her father can hardly wait to marry her off.
Dömötör, a headwaiter, and Rudi, his friend, a conductor, are dismissed. Later, they return as guests. Dömötör is seen sporting a false beard, now the spitting image of count Rod-Igor Su-Arezew, the world-famous lion-hunter.
György Bánáth landowner and Miklós Vass the teacher, on the verge of collapse, trudging all the way from Siberia where they have spent more than ten years as POWs, trying to prevent each other from falling from fatigue on the way home. Both become regular visitors to the Pálffy family and they both make amorous advances to Katinka, the beautiful daughter of the local vicar.