Kalle Magnus Berg is a kind bailiff in Gamla Stan (Old Town) in Stockholm. He helps out "clients" by supporting them with money from his own pocket. His neighbor is a jazz musician who plays at a restaurant for a living.

The Stockholm publisher Adam, a wealthy gentleman with a favorable appearance, has completely undeservedly gained a reputation for being a great Don Juan. Women of all ages are drawn to him and give him their invitations. To be at peace, Adam escapes on his sailboat out into the archipelago and settles down on a small islet. But the ladies follow him and in their footsteps follow jealous fiancés and angry courting cavaliers.

The architect Georg Wall is sitting in his spacious Stockholm apartment. He has been waiting several hours since lunch for his significantly younger wife, Lola Wall, to appear. When she eventually comes home, she wants a divorce.