Ruth Berlau

The celebrated operetta prima donna Elsa Bruun is famous nationwide for her amazing smile. One day she is approached by a shabby man who pushes a script on her. Without wanting to, Elsa becomes deeply involved in the story, which becomes her path to a renewed understanding of life, which must be lived out even if it may cost her trademark: the golden smile.

Galileo, an eminent professor and scientist in the 17th century Venetian Republic, is short of money. A prospective student tells him about a novel invention, the telescope, that is being sold in Amsterdam.