Guido Brenta is in the navy during a war but returns home eager to resume his former life filled with romantic entanglements. However, he encounters disappointment as his father's financial struggles worsen. His sister, Rosy, is involved with wealthy Vieri Levrieri, and as Guido navigates complex family relationships and a tumultuous friend group, he falls in love with Eugenia, Vieri's sister. The friendships dissolve under pressure, leading to unexpected outcomes.