In 1870, when the annexation ofRome to Italy is inevitable, repression is violent and the prisons arefilled with "conspirators." Among them is Augusto (MarcelloMastroianni), gravely ill. On the outside, his wife Teresa (Magnani) andtheir young son aid Augusto's compatriots while the Piedmont armyapproaches the city. Magnani's Teresa is a reprise of (and a tribute to)every passionate poplana she created, from Open City to The HonorableAngelina.