Two middle-class notions dealers live happily with their girl.But an inheritance turns these nice people into snob Nouveaux Riches;although the aristocracy invites them,the 'Tout-Paris ' laughs behind their back;for the counts,dukes ,ambassadors and other VIP ,they are nothing but a laughing stock whereas they think they are part of the chic world. They invite their would be new friends for a ball (hence the title),in their desirable new mansion,but their daughter,sick and tired of being abandoned by her once loving parents,throws the invitations into the Seine.