After finishing his studies in Switzerland, the shy and innocent Stefano (Jacques Perrin, Girl with a Suitcase) decides to become a priest. His father, Leonardo (Alain Cuny, La dolce vita), a rich publishing magnate, disapproves: he wants his son to take over his empire someday. When he invites Stefano on a yacht trip together with his mistress (Rosanna Schiaffino), Leonardos intention is not to reconcile with his son... Pleasure under the burning sun takes on sinister undertones in this haunting tale of a cruel father determined to tempt his son into relinquishing his spiritual ambitions. With ice-cold New Wave stylings and sharp dialogue, director Mauro Bolognini (Il bellAntonio) crafts an unsparing critique of Italys nascent consumerist society.