John Cleese and Connie Booth are at their best in this delightful tale of comic romance based on the well-known short story by Anton Chekov.

Smychkov (Cleese), a double-bass player, is on his way to play at the betrothal ball of a princess. Arriving at the palace too early on a hot summer's day, he decides to take a quick skinny-dip in the royal lake. Unbeknownst to him, the Princess (Booth) has decided to do the same.

Meanwhile, a passing thief steals both of their clothes from the lakeshore, leaving them in a highly embarrassing predicament. Their attempt to return to the castle proves to be a hilarious adventure and results in unexpected romance.