In 19th century Italy, Tullio (Giannini), a wealthy aristocrat, grows bored with his timid wife Giuliana (Antonelli) and neglects her for his more exciting mistress (O'Neill). After learning that his wife is having a torrid affair of her own, he is tormented by her infidelity and commits a cruel and horrifying act. Luchino Visconti's last film is based on a novel by Gabrielle d'Annunzio.