In 1900 in Rome, the poor carpenter Francesco, by a twist of fate, is recognized component of a noble family in the process of decay. Francesco knows the cynical and ruthless Prince Torquato Terenzi, disappointed by life and progress, and also falls in love with the beautiful Duchess Elisa. When Prince Terenzi dies, Francesco realizes that he's not enriched for nothing with the inheritance, because the noble family is broke; so he enlistes himself for the war in Libya, but quickly returnes to Italy, disgusted by the atrocities of the fighting. His dream is to be a singer, and so he goes to America with the Duchess Elisa.

Enrico Montesanoas Francesco 'Checco' Puricelli - aka Conte Tacchia
Zoé Chauveauas Fernanda Toccacieli
Giuseppe Pambierias marchese Lollo D'Alfieri
Ninetto Davolias Ninetto
Ania Pieronias duchessina Elisa Savelli
Riccardo Pizzutias Tomegaux, spadaccino francese
Claudio Goraas duca Saverio Savelli
Lia Zoppellias duchessa Savelli
Paolo Panellias mastro Alvaro Puricelli
Vittorio Gassmanas Prince Torquato Terenzi