A young restorer is commissioned to save a fresco representing the suffering of St. Sebastiano, which was painted on the wall of a local church by a mysterious, long-dead artist.
A fig tree growing in the estates of Baron Anteo Pellacani has been worshipped since the Middle Ages, after a Saint was supposedly martyred there. The Baron, who was crippled in a fig tree-related accident and has since become a raging atheist, vows to tear it down—until he mistakes a beautiful prostitute momentarily lying on the tree for the Saint herself, falling in love with her. Her pimp, his relatives and the clergy try to take advantage of his newfound faith.
A modest theatrical company, soon to debut, organizes a superstitious spiritual session. During the evening the spirit of little Thomas is evoked.
