A passionate affair set against the intense encounter between a film-maker and a novelist. The story begins with young scriptwriter François tracking down the author of a once-scandalous novel. His aim is to adapt the work for the screen but several elements of the novel he finds difficult to comprehend. The author, Jeanne, is initially cautious of relaying information, insisting the presumably autobiographical book in no way relates to her personal life. However, eventually she takes the man into confidence to tell the background of Benvenuta.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Fanny ArdantBenvenuta | Benvenuta |
 Vittorio GassmanLivio | Livio |
 Françoise FabianJeanne | Jeanne |
 Mathieu CarrièreFrancois | Francois |
 Claire WauthionInge | Inge |
 Philippe GeluckLa père | La père |
| AAnne ChappuisLa mère | La mère |
| FFranz JoubertLe prêtre et jardinier | Le prêtre et jardinier |
 Renato ScarpaLe journaliste | Le journaliste |
 Franco TrevisiLe policier | Le policier |
 Franco AngrisanoLe gardien de la villa | Le gardien de la villa |
 Armando MarraLe chanteur | Le chanteur |
| TTamara TrifetzLa jeune dame | La jeune dame |
 Beatrice PalmeLa biche (as Béatrice Palme) | La biche (as Béatrice Palme) |
| CCristina BorgogniAutre femme | Autre femme |
| FFranco BrunoLe guide | Le guide |
 Bert AndréLe garçon de café | Le garçon de café |
| JJenny TangheLa voisine | La voisine |
| MMuriel BueninckBenvenuta enfant | Benvenuta enfant |
| MMuriel LefèvreBenvenuta enfant | Benvenuta enfant |
| AAntoine CaretteLe facteur (as Toon Carette) | Le facteur (as Toon Carette) |
 Enrico CesarettiHotel Porter (uncredited) | Hotel Porter (uncredited) |