In the small seaside town of Chioggia, the wives, fiancées, and sisters of the fishermen wait for the men's return from the sea, passing the time with gossip and teasing each other. A bit of flirtation, a bit of rivalry, and from these sparks, instantly fanned by the gossiping women, the flames of jealousy and resentment flare up in the passionate southern personalities. The happiness of two young couples crumbles. The familiar bickering of the neighbors, their constant amusement, reaches a fever pitch of irreconcilable hostility.