Gioia (Anna Magnani) leaves Italy for a ranch in Nevada, where she makes a new life with husband Gino (Anthony Quinn), her sister's widower. Gioia and Gino quickly find themselves at odds over her use of Italian and his treatment of animals. When it becomes clear that Gino still pines for his late wife, Gioia begins an affair with ranch hand Bene (Anthony Franciosa). Gino finds out and plans to send Gioia back to Italy, as his brother tries to make Gino think twice about his rash decision.