The two clowns, Valentin and Karlstadt, present their act during an audition at a cabaret. They intend to perform a song. Since they are a bit out of practice, things do not go according to plan, and the music stands seem to take on a life of their own: at times they are set too low or too high, while at others they bend or extend of their own accord. Despite—or perhaps because of—this, they are initially hired, only to be passed over in favor of another act. The hapless duo sits dejectedly in a restaurant. Valentin attempts to fish a fly out of a neighboring diner's meal so he can complain about the order and avoid paying the bill.