Rome, 1910. Checco Puricelli, the son of a carpenter, is called "Conte Tacchia" ("Count Wooden Wedge") because of his obsession with the aristocracy. He dresses fancy and tries to act as a nobleman with the help of the old Prince Torquato. One evening a young noblewoman begins to take interest in him, and Checco will soon find himself entangled in the treacherous world of the Roman aristocracy.