Plot Synopsis

Based on the novella by Tennessee Williams. In post-war Italy an aging American actress finds herself at the crossroads of her life when her manager husband suddenly dies of a heart attack. A scheming Contessa introduces her to a young Italian gigolo whom she begins to fall for. His attentions begin to falter when the Contessa berates him for his lack of obtaining money from the actress. She throws him out when she discovers his true intentions, but despondent and vulnerable, she takes him back when he shows a hint of regret for his callus behavior.