SincerebutstrugglingsculptorTommasso(Caruso--bushymoustache,gawky)worksinanornamentalplastershop,buthismasterpieceonthesideisabustofhiscousinCaroli(Caruso--nomoustache,polished),whoistheMetropolitanOpera`sleadingtenor.TommassohopestomarryhismodelRosa,butherfather,restaurantownerPietro,wantshertofindsomeonemoresettledandmoney-conscious,suchasthegreengrocerLombardidownthestreet.Tommasso,hesays,throwsawayhismoney,suchasforapairofticketstotakeRosatotheoperatoseehisfamedcousin.Aftertheopera,thecousinscrosspathsintheswankyGaleotto`srestaurant,butwhenneitherrecognizestheother,TommassoisgenerallymockedandRosabelieveshimaliarandunworthy.Tommassomustrecoverhisreputationandmakeasale,preferablytheCarolibusttohiscousin,inordertowinRosaback.