Two actors leave on a theatrical tour, but there is a matter to be settled: one has become the lover of the other's girl-friend and since they are very good friends, cannot bring himself to tell him.

Florence, Italy, 1925, during the fascist dictatorship. In order to live near his girlfriend Bianca, young Mario moves to a humble street in the old city center, where he befriends Maciste and Ugo, two anti-fascists.