The film is based on an actual incident that took place in Bologna, during a visit by Mussolini to the area, in 1926.

Through the eyes of a teenage boy we watch as one by one, members of his family succumb to fascism. The father, once opposed to the new government, has gradually been won over and is ready to give in to the new masters. His older brother prepares to join the Party, and his adored liberal aunt is seduced by a fascist officer.

The boy, disillusioned by the changes in the people around him, begins to develop an elaborate scheme to kill Mussolini. He sees the planned assassination not as murder, but as a justifiable gesture against tyranny. A friend of the family, who works for the fascists, learns of the plan. Rather than stopping the boy, he encourages him in the hope of creating an incident that could be used for the introduction of further restrictive laws against the press and opposing political groups.

Naturally, the Duce's safety must be fully safeguarded. . .