In a Market place in a Southern Italian port. Giuditta is married to the considerably older Manuele and is bored on that marriage. She has inherited the fiery temperament of her mother, who once was a celebrated dancer. She would like to break out of her marriage. She meets Octavio and its love at first sight for both of them. When Giuditta hears that Octavio is posted to North Africa, the native country of her mother, she leaves her husband and takes the next ship to Libya with Octavio. Once in Libya, Giuditta and Octavio enjoy their life in full form in a villa by the sea. However, the happy life is soon interrupted when Octavio receives his marching orders. Giuditta tries to stop him and she threatens him that she will not wait for him if he now leaves her. Octavio thinks on deserting, but his friend Antonio talks to him and appeals to his conscience. Finally, the reason wins Octavio and he starts the marching order. Giuditta finds an employment as a dancer in a nightclub in Tripoli. She leads an excessive life and dedicates herself to countless lovers. The most recent one is Lord Barrymore, who wins her over with his wealth. Octavio finishes his military career and tracks down Giuditta in the nightclub. However, his hopes to be once again the lover of the beautiful Giuditta is doomed to fail. For five years, Octavio longs for Giuditta until he finally cools off. He works in a hotel as a pianist in the bar. He earns just enough to hold on for himself. Destiny steers Giuditta’s way in that very bar. A Duke, her newer lover, accompanies her. Suddenly her passion for Octavio is aroused once more. However, he is a broken man and wants nothing to do with her.