Smugglers try to ship their products via Pol Knol, a trader in medical products. Due to circumstances, the package remains on Mr Knol's desk. The smugglers think that Pol has deliberately withheld it. They come to pay him a "visit."

Mr Van Peborgh, an "artiste photographe", remained alone with his three sons Henri, Frans and Louis after the death of his wife.The household is done by the maid Beth while the graceful girl Marie helps him in the store.The eldest son Henri is engaged to Hortense and thinks he's getting married soon.Louis wants to leave for America. The big engagement party on which the whole family is present starts without worry but ends up in a disaster because "It's cruel in the world".

A group of Antwerp students steal a doll from a museum just for fun. But then they get arrested ... .