Set in 1800`s Italy, Fabrice Del Dongo a young archbishop (Gerard Philipe) wishes to break his vows to marry the woman he loves (Maria Casares), but his powerful aunt, also in love with him, wishes to keep him celibate. Even from his prison cell, Fabrice cannot stem his desire for physical love, and pursues an affair with the jailer`s daughter--unfortunately, she pledges to the Virgin Mary never to see him again. This film is based on an 1839 novel by Henri Stendahl.