In Rome, the lives of Carlo, a philandering industrialist who has never really grown up, and Paolo, an unsuccessful writer son who shares the same problem, become intertwined when both are abandoned by their respective wives, Laura, a manager, and Sandra, a herbalist.
In addition, there is a second son, Giacomo, struggling with sudden and early fatherhood. The beautiful Benedetta, who has become an actress almost by chance, has a make-up meeting with Paolo, after he inadvertently crushes one of her scripts, but eventually ends up in the arms of her father, Carlo.
Jealousy over Benedetta and Carlo's cancer, initially kept secret from everyone, lead Carlo and Paolo to reconnect with their wives, although it may be too late for Carlo.