In this animated feature, two lovers -- a chimney sweep (Serge Reggiani) and a shepherdess (Anouk Aimée) -- live as characters in a painting owned by a ruthless king. In order to escape from the king, who is in love with the shepherdess, the characters emerge into the three-dimensional world outside their painted confines. The king is intent on capturing the duo for his own evil purposes, so the lovers seek assistance from the quick-witted Mr. Wonderbird (Pierre Brasseur).