In an unnamed country, the greatest supporter of the National Theatre and its actors is a diplomat from a foreign country, Ernst Lemmering. Lemmering is also in a relationship with the theatre's star actress Harriet Brandt. After a late night rehearsal he has invited the actors to his home when the news comes through that the country has been occupied by the military of Lemmering's home country. Despite their friendship with Lemmering, the actors decide to take a stand against the foreign aggressors.