In Naples at the end of the 19th century, Nicola Bellizzi dreams of becoming a lawyer. However, when he seeks the reason that people are reluctant to help him in his goals, he discovers that some of his blood relations are high-ranking members of the Mafia. He tries to break away from his family obligations, but falls into a life of crime and violence.

Franco Nero
as Nicola Bellizzi

Claudia Cardinale
as Lucia Esposito

Fabio Testi
as Don Gaetano Fungillo

Raymond Pellegrin
as Aiossa

Lina Polito
as Nanina Scognamilio

Rita Forzano
as Luisella

Antonio Orlando
as Pasquale Scalzo

Sonia Viviani
as Donna Maria

Gengher Gatti
as Prence

Rosalia Maggio
as Amalia Scognamiglio