Aspiring actors Aldo, Giovanni, and Giacomo work dead-end jobs while nurturing a passion project, staging their performance of 'Cyrano de Bergerac'. However, love for the same woman will end their friendship. Three years later, Giovanni and Giacomo reunite after hearing that Aldo is dying.

Fugitive convict Aldo seizes a car, taking policeman Giacomo and civilian Giovanni hostages. While chased by the police all over Italy, they will eventually become friends.

An interview with film producer Goffredo Lombardo, whose Titanus Films was bankrupted by Luchino Visconti's extravagant spending on "The Leopard."