Alberto Saporito, a Neapolitan sculptor and antique dealer, is a dreamer who frequently finds it difficult to separate his fantasies from reality. He shares a ramshackle home with his Uncle Nicola, an eccentric so disgusted by mankind that he hasn't spoken in over 50 years; instead, he communicates by setting off homemade firecrackers. One night, after a meeting with the voluptuous Tania, Alberto dreams that a wealthy neighbor, Amitrano, has been murdered by his family. Awakening, Alberto races to the police to report the killing. Later, he confesses that the "murder" may have been only a nightmare, but the police refuse to believe him since they know Amitrano to be a notorious gangster. The Amitranos are arrested, and confusion reigns as Alberto walks around in a daze, never certain whether he is awake or dreaming. Then Amitrano appears and demands Alberto's passport so that he may use it to escape to South America. On the pretext of having to go for his papers, Alberto once more races to the police. As he tries to explain that he has found Amitrano, a gigantic explosion takes place. Uncle Nicola has set off his biggest--and last--pyrotechnics display. Fearing reprisals from just about everyone, Alberto, joined by Tania, flees from the city.