This is the story of Major Joppolo, who is assigned to administrate the Sicilian town of Adano after World War II and his attempt to return it to its pre-war tranquillity. His initial actions include feeding and clothing the villagers, who have been left starved and destitute by the ravages of the war, and preventing the hanging of its former mayor, a Mussolini supporter; although he makes clear that any hints of Fascism will not be tolerated. Suspicious at first, the villagers finally come to trust Joppolo when he works to reclaim the town bell, stolen from the city hall and a symbol of its identity.
