Venice, shortly after the Second World War. The celebrated US Army officer Colonel Richard Cantwell travels to the lagoon city to face the memories of his eventful life one last time. When he meets the young Contessa Renata, an unexpected connection begins between two people from completely different worlds. While Cantwell is caught up in the shadows of his past and a gloomy diagnosis, the encounter with Renata gives him a last glimpse of hope, love and the beauty of the moment.