England, first half of the 19th century. Edmund Kean is a celebrated theatre actor, notorious for his tumultuous private life. He is in love with the beautiful countess Koefeld, wife of the Danish ambassador, to the consternation of his friend, the Prince of Wales. He is also hounded by Anna Damby, who wants to become an actress to escape a marriage to Lord Mewill.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Vittorio GassmanEdmund Kean | Edmund Kean |
 Eleonora Rossi DragoCountess Elena Koefeld | Countess Elena Koefeld |
 Nerio BernardiConte Koefeld | Conte Koefeld |
 Mario CarotenutoPeter Patt | Peter Patt |
 Carlo MazzarellaDario | Dario |
 Gérard LandryPrince of Wales | Prince of Wales |
 Cesco BaseggioSalomon | Salomon |
 Anna Maria FerreroAnna Damby | Anna Damby |
 Helmut DantineLord Mewl | Lord Mewl |
 Bianca Maria FabbriNot listed | Not listed |
 Dina SassoliAmy | Amy |
 Valentina CorteseFanny | Fanny |