Guido Contini's last three films have been box-office flops. His producer, a dynamic but fierce Frenchwoman, may sue him for breach of contract unless he comes up with an idea for a film--and fast! Meanwhile, central to Guido's problems is his desire for too many women--a fact echoed by his wife, Luisa, who wants more time with him, as does his sultry mistress, Carla. But all Guido's women want him. Twenty-one swirling females change aroundhim in a fantasy ensemble he conducts like an orchestra. Yet as the fantasy life he has been lving begins to break down, Guido learns he must make sacrifices.