In the huge steel factories in Terni (Umbria, Italy), two friends: Mario and Pietro, fight for the love of the same girl, Gina. Pietro dies because of a work accident at the factory. The other workers think Mario is responsible for the death of his friend. Mario, who is innocent, is forced to quit, but his love for Gina and his dedication to his job help him out of his crisis.

Franco, un hombre joven de ascendencia noble, decide casarse con Luisa, hija de un humilde oficinista, contra la voluntad de su abuela. Pero una terrible tragedia trastorna la vida de la pareja de recién casados: su pequeña hija Ombretta se ahoga en el lago de Como y Luisa va al borde de la locura.