It is set against the backdrop of the Libyan War between Italy and the Ottoman Empire in 1911. A young man from the countryside volunteers to join the Bersaglieri, but quickly clashes with three overbearing comrades. They resent the newcomer because Maria the daughter of the marshal, who they are all in love with, has shown attention to the young man. However all eventually become close friends. When war breaks out they travel to Tripoli to fight, accompanied by Maria who has enlisted in the Red Cross.