The Benedetti family's wealth comes from gold stolen from the French army during the 18th century. When Jean (Michael Vartan) the lieutenant guarding the coins -- and lover of Elisabette Benedetti (Galatea Ranzi) -- is executed for a crime he did not commit Elisabette curses the family. Bad luck travels from generation to generation. As the latest Benedettis tell their children about their eccentric grandfather the children worry that the family curse will be passed on.