In the mythical duchy of Pfennig Halbpfennig, a troupe of actors plan to depose the Grand Duke, Rudolph. By the dictates of an obscure local law, Ludwig, the troupe’s principal comedian, is able to achieve this end simply by drawing a higher card in a ‘duel’ with his royal rival. However, Ludwig is then required to assume not only the trappings of royalty, but also all of its various obligations, including contracted engagements to marry three different women – much to the chagrin of his fiancé, Lisa. Hilarity ensues, until at the last moment a startling discovery is made, sending everything topsy-turvy all over again.