Lorenzo, a handsome first-year professor in an isolated Italian village, falls under the spell of his most beguiling pupil, a dark-haired, starry-eyed 12-year-old named Duilio. As Lorenzo's relationship with his heartless girlfriend deteriorates, he finds himself walking the fields with his loving student. When their idyllic friendship is questioned by Duilio's suspicious stepmother, Lorenzo is brought to a crisis of conscience.
The Roman taxi driver Pietro Marchetti finds himself to witness a mafia crime. Having to testify at the trial, he is checked by the police, especially when he has to go to the United States to attend the graduation of his son Francesco.
An imprisoned murderer carries out a violent bid for control of Naples' underworld crime syndicate.
