Italy, 1977. Professor Bruschi is a retired widower who lives according to a strict routine he set for himself. An ardent old-style communist, he has always been at odds with the unconventional lifestyle led by his son and his hippieish girlfriend Stella. When their four-year-old daughter is left in his care out of the blue after the two break up, the old professor becomes a sort of father figure to the girl, growing fond of her. However he's once again challenged when Stella also arrives for a stay in his elegant villa, reclaiming custody of her daughter.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Marcello MastroianniLudovico Bruschi | Ludovico Bruschi |
 Sandrine BonnaireStella | Stella |
 Zoe IncrocciElvira | Elvira |
 Giorgio TirabassiOliviero Bruschi | Oliviero Bruschi |
 Victor CavalloPippo | Pippo |
 Antonella AttiliAmica di Stella | Amica di Stella |
 Veronica LazărMargherita | Margherita |
| LLara PranzoniPapere | Papere |
 Paolo PanelliGalliano | Galliano |
 Giovanna RalliPina | Pina |
 Gisella BurinatoMadre di Stella | Madre di Stella |
 Pupo De LucaGiudice | Giudice |
 Dante BiagioniArchitetto | Architetto |
 Fabio BussottiNot listed | Not listed |
 Fernando PannulloNot listed | Not listed |
 Carla CalòNot listed | Not listed |
| MMarco LodoliNot listed | Not listed |
| VVelia MajoloNot listed | Not listed |
| SStefano ArditiNot listed | Not listed |
| AAngela LucianiNot listed | Not listed |
| DDonatella RussoNot listed | Not listed |
| MMauro GualandriNot listed | Not listed |
| AAlessandro PiccininiNot listed | Not listed |
| CConcetta RussinoNot listed | Not listed |
 Ilaria StagniStella (voice) | Stella (voice) |
| AAssunta StacconiAnziana signora (uncredited) | Anziana signora (uncredited) |