In a small Italian town in the 1960s, a mutual insurance doctor, who leads a monotonous and predictable life, faces an unexpected change in his routine when an attractive patient walks through the door of his clinic. While trying to maintain his professional demeanor, he finds himself drawn into a game of seduction that jeopardizes both his family life and his career.
The protagonist, masterfully portrayed by Alberto Sordi, is a doctor who, owing to his work in the mutual insurance system, has become accustomed to the bureaucracy of public health and dealing with clients who often take advantage of his services. However, his encounter with this young woman pulls him out of his comfort zone, and his curiosity about her pushes him to question not only his career but also his marriage.
As the story unfolds, the doctor becomes entangled in a series of comedic mishaps and absurd situations that lead him to reflect on his life and the choices he has made. Amidst consultations and disappointments, the film is peppered with social critiques about the healthcare system and the hypocrisy of the middle class, all wrapped in the typical humor of Italian comedy of the time.
The story culminates with the doctor confronting not only his feelings but also his professional commitment, leaving the viewer with a contemplation on the pursuit of happiness in everyday life.