Le vie del Signore sono finite

A doctor explains that Camillo's sudden leg paralysis is psychosomatic, triggered by his unresolved love for Vittoria rather than any physical lesion. The diagnosis ties his pain to emotional turmoil, setting the conflict within a fascist-era Italy.

On the train returning from Lourdes, Camillo befriends Orlando, who is secretly paralytic. Camillo recounts his Freud-inspired doctor, whose letters are trashed by a maid who hates Italians after Austria's defeat. The exchange foreshadows shared vulnerabilities between the two men.

A few days later, Camillo learns Vittoria has become involved with a Frenchman named Bernard but has not broken off her relationship with Camillo, as they still meet. The situation adds tension to Vittoria's loyalties and to Camillo's feelings.

Bernard discovers Vittoria's continued meetings with Camillo and confronts her, sparking an argument about loyalty and affection. The clash amplifies the romance-triangle dynamics that drive the plot.

Camillo unexpectedly regains the use of his legs. He chooses to keep his recovery secret from Orlando to avoid disrupting their friendship, revealing the truth only to Vittoria and his brother Leone.

To help Orlando emerge from his isolation, Camillo organises a staged meeting with Vittoria, aided by Anita who is meant to appeal to Orlando's tastes. Camillo hides his own recovery as part of the ruse.

Anita proclaims herself a fervent admirer of Mussolini and leaves in disgust after Camillo's joke about the dictator. Meanwhile Orlando falls in love with Vittoria and tells this to his friend.

A few days later, Orlando reveals that he loves Vittoria and shares this with Camillo, intensifying the triangular tension and testing Camillo's restraint.

Not long after, Orlando sees Camillo stepping out of a tub, confirming that Camillo has truly regained mobility. The moment marks a tangible shift in their relationships.

The next day Camillo travels to Rome to patent two lotions, one against baldness and one against pain. At the patent office, a fascist official mocks him, saying the way of salvation is marked by pain, in line with the Duce's creed.

Back home, Camillo is arrested over the joke directed at Anita, who has been a spy leading a punitive expedition. He spends two years in prison, during which his health deteriorates again.

Orlando, now an important party official, helps secure Camillo's release and reassures him that there has never been anything beyond friendship with Vittoria. He also hints at a planned trip to Ethiopia.

Back home, Camillo finds Vittoria's letter containing a photograph of her wearing a straw hat that Camillo had previously given to Orlando. He suspects that Orlando and Vittoria are living together in Paris.

In Paris, Camillo learns that his jealousy was unfounded: the straw hat was passed from Camillo to Orlando, who later gave it to Vittoria. The misunderstanding dissolves as he realizes they are not living together.