To escape an arranged marriage, a young Italian girl marries an older man, a military officer who is also a family friend, and when he is assigned to North Africa, she accompanies him. His unit is sent into the desert to subdue some unruly tribes, and when he is later reported killed in action, his widow marries a young soldier with whom she has fallen in love. However, word soon comes back that her "dead" husband is very much alive.

"A poignant story of human hearts at their noblest, and human passions at their basest, packed with dramatic action and thrilling episodes."