Clara never set out to be a movie star —she is just a woman who works as a shop clerk. However, when she is offered a starring role in a film, she accepts. The film is a great success and Clara becomes much sought after, but only for her beautiful looks. She marries a film producer, Gianni, who finds the roles she plays degrading. He finances a production of the life of Joan of Arc, to try and launch her as a serious actress.

The short film "Kumbha Mela" will be presented together with the screenings of the film "The Lady without Camelias".