During the eighteenth century the Empress of Russia sends her lover to kidnap her rival for the throne.

An Italian daredevil turns Grand Prix driver and works his way up to Le Mans with his ballerina lover.

Nick, an American gambler, arrives in San Paolo and falls in love with Colleen, an American tourist, after she loses all of her money at the casino. Nick flees with Colleen after they are framed for murder and he tries to track down the real killer.

During the 1940s, Maurice Bendrix, a writer recently discharged from the armed service, falls in love with Sarah Miles, whom he interviews for a book. Sarah is married, but she and Maurice eventually give in to their mutual attraction, leading to an affair that lasts several months. Maurice's jealousy, along with the bombing of London by the Germans, seemingly leads to the end of their relationship. However, the reasons are later revealed to be more complex.

Archaeologists Van Heflin and Eric Portman undertake an expedition in Tunisia in search of an ancient mask.

Scottish highlander Jamie Durie falls into a life of piracy after joining the failed rebellion of Bonnie Prince Charlie against the British crown.

A gambler falls in love with a naive young girl. He thinks she is bringing him good luck. Then his main gambling rival arrives and he desires the girl as well.

This tale of intrigue finds Valentina Cortese involved in an assassination plot. She helps the police apprehend the conspirators after an innocent bystander is accidentally killed.