In the 1860’s, Giorgio (Giraudeau), a young Italian soldier is sent to a remote post, far away from his lover, Clara (Antonelli). He is lodged in the house of the…

Eight Italian politicians from the communist party gather on a terrace in Rome for a get-together. They discuss about their past, present and future.

Two neighbours — a persecuted journalist and a resigned housewife — forge a strong bond on the day of Adolf Hitler’s historic 1938 visit to Rome.