A young woman has an unhealthy desire to get ahead, climbing the social ladder and stepping on people along the way. She's set to marry a wealthy man--just what's always wanted--when she finds herself in love with a "regular guy".

A young war orphan is taken in by five men living along the Italian Riviera. Their hope is to find a wealthy American couple who will adopt Pepi and give him a proper upbringing. When the time comes to give the tyke up.