In World War II a group of Italian soldiers is sent to Egypt to provide assistance to the local population.

The military, however, should expect other directives from the Duce Benito Mussolini but completely lose contact with the Italy.

Soon the members of the brigade, which includes some very curious and picturesque characters such as the Captain who loves poetry, get acquainted with the local customs and forget their duty as soldiers.

Again however the war impose its presence, after an encounter with an outspoken missionary (Michele Placido) who is walking through the desert with a troop of Germans.

These thoughts are cut short when the Captain, who alone had remained a reference figure for the troops, discovers that his recently deceased wife was not faithful.