Stefano is a shy and sensitive teenager who has just completed his studies in Switzerland and is considering becoming a monk. But his father, a rich Milanese publisher, who had the ambition to see his son succeed him, refuses and takes him on a cruise with a young woman to take this idea out of his mind...

Alain Cuny
as Leonardo Mattioli

Rosanna Schiaffino
as Adriana

Jacques Perrin
as Stefano Mattioli

Isa Miranda
as Mrs. Mattioli

Filippo Scelzo
as rector of the college

Ennio Balbo
as Morandi

Anna Glori
as Gianna, Mattioli's secretary

Wando Tres
as literature professor

Marcella Valeri
as nurse-nun in the clinic

Bruno Cattaneo
as Bruno, storekeeper