Sicily, early 1900s. An impoverished prince settles into the house of a rich shipowner and becomes his counselor.

Mastr'Antonio Miciaccio caretaker and shoemaker is devoted to Saint John Beheaded and is trying to find out who has been stealing the oil that keeps the candle to the saint burning. He also does not approve of his daughter's boy friend and he does not want him to marry her.