In 1942, disheartened at the starvation and disease in Athens, Lieutenant Martino of the Italian Army requests a posting elsewhere. He finds himself, with a Sergeant Castagnoli, in charge of a lorry containing twelve prostitutes who he has to deliver up country to various military establishments. This is not what he joined the army for, nor does he see how it will contribute to victory. On the way, they are obliged to accept a Major Alessi as a passenger. An unpleasant character, he outranks Martino and can enforce his will on the two soldiers and on the women.