Summer 1943: The media reports are coming in thick and fast - the Allies have occupied Sicily and the war is spreading northwards with giant strides. In the small seaside resort of Raccione near Rimini, however, all is still well with the world: the hail of bombs has so far only reached the residents via the news, and the only thing that can disturb the summery picture-postcard idyll are low-flying aircraft over the sandy beach. Carlo Caremoli, who has just returned from Switzerland where he successfully avoided military service, also enjoys the lightness of carefree existence with his friends. Together they plunder the black market and their parents' secret stashes, pop the champagne corks or splash around in the Mediterranean. When Carlo accidentally meets Roberta, whose husband was killed in the war, it is all over for them: A summer night's dream of passions begins - everyday life is one big (love) frenzy. The fact that Roberta is much older and has a small daughter hardly seems to bother the newlyweds. Only Roberta's mother takes offense at their unequal love and appeals to Roberta's sense of social conventions. But love has its own laws, and even Roberta's motherly feelings suddenly seem forgotten. Then the war catches up with them. When Carlo is to be drafted, Roberta cannot and will not accept it - she has already lost a man to the war once. Roberta wants to save her great love and flee with Carlo.