Ernesto is a young Italian Jew of the early 1900s who works in his uncle's factory in Trieste. Not entirely secure with his sexual orientation, Ernesto enters into an affair with one of his uncle's employees.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Martin HalmErnesto | Ernesto |
 Michele PlacidoThe man | The man |
 Virna LisiErnesto's Mother | Ernesto's Mother |
 Turi FerroCarlo Wilder | Carlo Wilder |
 Lara WendelIlio / Rachele | Ilio / Rachele |
 Gisela HahnSignora Luzzato, Mother of Ilio and Rachele | Signora Luzzato, Mother of Ilio and Rachele |
 Stefano MadiaErnesto's friend Andrea | Ernesto's friend Andrea |
 Francisco MarsóUncle Giovanni | Uncle Giovanni |
| MMiranda NocelliProstitute Sandra | Prostitute Sandra |
 Concha VelascoAunt Regina | Aunt Regina |
 Renato SalvatoriCesco | Cesco |
 Marco GuadagnoIlio (voice) (uncredited) | Ilio (voice) (uncredited) |
 Enrique San Francisco(uncredited) | (uncredited) |
| EEnrique Vivó(uncredited) | (uncredited) |