In the 1930s, Augusto Vanghetta divides himself between the profession of praetor in a small lakeside town, obtained thanks to the Mortara law, and his true passions: women and the theater. Not particularly attractive but sexually gifted, the praetor manages to attract women of all kinds while the relationship with his wife Evelina is now in crisis, so much so that the two now sleep in separate rooms. Intent on writing a play, to carry on his boring work and family practices, Vanghetta hires the young Mario Landriani, whose presence will end up distorting his life.