Twelve year old 'Boefje' spends most of his time in the alleys, on rooftops and in the harbor of Rotterdam. A local clergyman takes pity on him and attempts to teach him good manners.
Novelist Philip wants to employ a beautiful young secretary, much to his wife Inez' disgust. After a particularly nasty scene, he packs his bags and leaves. Shortly after, his father-in-law arrives from Indonesia, mistaking family friend Willem for his son-in-law. Willem falls in love with Fientje...