Plot summary
Teddy Lemke is a lodger with Miss Biermann. She has taken the six-year Ulli into her care, whose mother emigrated to America. Teddy Lemke takes good care of the little Ulli – as if he were his own son. When Ulli surprises Teddy with a children's clown costume, which he accidentally found in the attic, Teddy hesitantly tells the story of his life: Formerly he was a famous clown who performed together with his son. When the boy died, Teddy ended his career.
Ulli persuades Teddy to return to the stage, and from then on they perform together. Their immediate success leads to an offer for a longer engagement. At this moment Ulli's mother Gerti, who is now married, returns from America to take Ulli back with her. Teddy flees with Ulli from Berlin to Switzerland, pursued by the child's mother, her husband, and several assistants. Finally Ulli moves with his parents to America, and Teddy, who reluctantly comes to terms with it, gives a sad solo performance at the end.
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