A screen adaptation of the novel of the same name by Alberto Moravia. Rome, our days. Mariagration Ardengo and her children Michele and Carla are left without a livelihood. Mariagration\'s money-hungry lover Leo develops a plan to take the last property from the family - the attic in which they live. Michele tries to thwart Leo\'s plans, but when his attempts fail, young Carla takes over.