In his first feature film, writer, director and poet Pier Paolo Pasolini explores the cultural and social landscape of the "little homelands" of his native Italy through the story of a rural pimp named Accattone (Franco Citti) who battles his instincts and dabbles in love. Hoping to impress the beautiful Stella (Franca Pasut) and win her heart, Accattone vows to change his ways but finds he ultimately isn't capable of a virtuous life.