The action takes place in the 18th century in Lima. The wandering artists Pericola and Piquillo perform in the town square. They love each other, but cannot get married - the poor artists do not have the means for this. Meanwhile, the Viceroy of Peru, Don Andreas-Ribeira, likening to Harun...
A mysterious man under the name Mister X performs in the circus, playing violin on a chair suspended in the air by ropes. His breathtakingly sad melodies reflect his internal turmoil - he's in love with a noble lady and this relationship is frowned upon in their society.