Southern France, 19th century. Teresa, a young girl, arrives at an isolated female boarding school that is tyrannically mastered by Mrs. Fourneau, the strict headmistress, whose protective shadow haunts Luis, her weak son.

Mario and Teresa are a seemingly happy marriage, but she reproaches that he does not value enough her work at home. As he is not willing to recognize the importance of domestic chores, Teresa offers him to exchange roles. While Teresa gets a job, and develops very well, Mario is unable to keep the house in order.

Three young and attractive secretaries, Julia, Paula and Doli, work in an insurance company.