Marco and Bruno are brothers that, since immediately after the war, had stayed close despite the fact that the older Bruno always demonstrated an annoying air of superiority. Both film directors and politically inclined, they lost touch during a period of ideological crisis during which they chose different sides. At the same time Marco abandoned cinema while Bruno on the other hand became famous. The story begins while Bruno, insecure in everything, receives the unsuccessful charge of teaching at a suburban middle school. Moreover, separated from his wife, carries on a quite tempestuous affair with a Polish woman named Grazyna. Having learned through the papers that Bruno has been checked into a clinic, Marco runs to meet him in hopes of re-connecting with his brother and his sister-in-law Rita. Bruno, in poor health, gives Marco the task of finishing his film; but the producer impedes Marco. When he finally thinks to have found a way to repair his relationship with his brother and students, Marco finds Bruno dead and his students indifferent. His only comfort lies in Grazyna?s closeness.