A story set behind the scenes of the annual Miss Italia pageant, with its load of young girls and recognizable characters.

An evening at an Italian restaurant. Hosted by tolerant and relaxed Flora, various parties of middle-class people come in -- large and small, young and old, regulars and tourists, married and single -- to dine, converse, argue, celebrate, make confessions; to overhear other people's discussions, to interrupt them, to sing, listen to music, and enjoy life.

When a bloodthirsty serial killer begins murdering women with a carpenter’s set square, the story becomes a media sensation, inspiring kooks from all over the city to attempt to cash in on the publicity.

Two linen fabric dealers with their shops close to one another, battle against each other for more and more costumers. Umberto constantly loses clients because of the tough competition brought by Leone, who offers the best prices in the neighborhood. But they leave differences aside when the rise of Fascism places Anti-Semitic politics which rigidly control business like the one conducted by the Jewish Leone, and those new regulations are viewed by Umberto as completely unfair. The long rivalry soon becomes a great friendship.

Laura and Mark hope to adopt a Ukrainian child. When they finally have the opportunity to travel the country, her father, Salvatore, help them all he can. By knowing the small Maruska, is created between them a very special relationship.