Biagio Casalini

In Naples, Professor Bellavista is a retired man, passionate about the philosophy and thought of Ancient Greece. Every day, in his luxurious apartment, he teaches his lessons of life to the poor-nothing (his friends), who are dazzled by his reasoning. One day, however, the quiet life of the building of Bellavista will be disturbed by the arrival of a director of Milan. Between Naples and Milan there contrast, because the Neapolitans are accustomed to enjoy a quiet life, always based on the "philosophy of pleasure and delay", while the northern Italians are very strict and punctual.

Tonino, a young shepherd from Campania, is supposed to marry Filomena, the daughter of local farmers. For Christmas, Tonino goes to Naples to "sing the novema" with his bagpipe, leaving Filomena pregnant. There, he falls in love with Angela, a variety singer, who helps him by opening his way as a disco DJ.