Film executive Gianni Franchi discovers young shop assistant Clara Manni and makes her the star of his new film,
Woman Without Destiny. When test screenings reveal that the public is enamoured with Clara, but less enthusiastic about the film itself, producer Ercole uses her presence in her second feature, which is still in production, by emphasising its scenes of passion. Clara is taken by surprise by Gianni's marriage proposal, to which she reluctantly agrees. Once married, Gianni, who becomes jealous over the provocative marketing for her film, categorically states that he doesn't want her involved with it anymore. He makes her the star of a new version of the trial of
Joan of Arc, with Gianni himself in the director's chair, but the film is panned during its premiere at the
Venice Film Festival. Clara's ambitions to become a serious actress fail, as does her marriage, and she eventually returns to the melodramatic material in which she had given her debut. ==Cast==