A rich and fancy woman, heiress of the family business, is targeted by her uncle who's willing to do anything to seize her fortune.

Rossellini takes numerous liberties with the original source material, rearranging and omitting events at will, presenting everything in a highly undramatic fashion. The film begins in the time of the Old Testament, allowing Rossellini to present the story of Jesus in its ancient, historic context.

Three farmers decide to leave their village, where the spring has dried up, and move to the city. Salem, the youngest, rebels because he cannot find work. A young woman plays the role of conscience to the villagers who remain in front of their televisions watching the modern world, without changing their situation. Their difficult search for work raises the issues of unemployment, rural exodus, and emigration.