Frankie Fane is an American who has been in Rome for about six weeks and is starting to get bored. He hasn't picked up much of the language, and has visited most of the tourist sites in Rome itself. A fellow American suggests that he rent a car and visit some old ruins just a short drive from the city. When he gets there he finds the villagers unfriendly, and a large group of teenagers that constantly follow him around. He quickly realizes that he may be in trouble, but it may also be the case that he gets what he deserves.