삼류 신문의 사교계 담당 신문기자인 마르첼로는 사치스럽고 방탕한 생활을 하던 중 우연히 한결같이 반복되는 일상사에 진력을 내는 마달레나라는 여인을 만나 사귀게 된다. 마달레나는 마르첼로에게 고혹적인 분위기를 지닌 매춘부, 아르디아나를 소개시켜준다. 스스로도 주체할 수 없는 자신의 방탕한 생활에 회의를 느끼던 그는 어느 날 절친한 친구 스타이너가 자살했다는 소식을 듣고 더욱 실의에 빠지면서 삶의 가치와 의미에 대해 회의를 품게된다.
During the Spanish occupation of Naples, the people led by Tommaso Aniello - known as "Masaniello" - plot against the Viceroy. The Viceroy's son, under another name, has a son from Masaniello's sister, but his father has already planned a marriage for him with a Spanish patrician against his wishes.
Called to perform at the Scala, a young baritone begins a transatlantic romance with a famous pianist. The singer, having been skewered by a critic after his last performance in Milan, attempts to find a way to win over the audience and the critics, while wooing his love interest.
An American starlet inflames two Italian peasants who forget about their respective fiance's. One of them even thinks of marrying her and begins to plan for the engagement banquet. When the girl decides to live the countryside harmony reigns again.
