Wanda and Ivan Cavalli, newlyweds from a tiny hamlet, travel to Rome, the capital city of Italy, to start their honeymoon. Ivan wants to honor his obligations with his family and church, but Wanda is only interested in meeting her favorite photo-strip star, who is known as "The White Sheik." Ivan is trying to be a good Christian. While Wanda impetuously runs away to find the object of her affections, Ivan, who is in a state of depression, tries his best to maintain appearances with the couple's extended family.