Plain-looking Giovanni Testa can barely support his family from his artisan wharf. Angelic son Carlito is the meat in the sandwich when Giovanni's sexy wife Teresa bitterly compares him to his wealthy brother, ruthless businessman Enzo. Although innocent, Giovanni flees under the assumed name Guglielmo Razoni when Enzo is murdered just after they had a loud row when he asked in vain for a loan. Giovanni starts a new life as construction worker on a dam in the Dolomites, but gets entangled in more love and crime drama, while an old rival makes a move on Teresa.