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This French film is a tragic tale of thwarted love, set among the upper classes in turn-of-the-century Italy. As the only daughter in a large household, surrounded by watchful relatives, Paulina (Olga Karlatos) can only dream of romance. Between her romantic dreams and her deep religious devotion, she finds some solace. As an adult she finds love with the Count, (Maxmillian Schell) a married nobleman. Their love is strong, but he is unable to divorce his wife, and his position in society requires them to be extremely secretive. This is very unpleasant for her, and she attempts to flee the situation by becoming a nun. Though her love darkens her life, she cannot forget it, and she returns to secular life and arranges to meet him once again.