During World War II, Italian national Pasqualino Frafuso, a charismatic but unattractive man, attempts to uphold the honor of his family, consisting of his mother and seven less attractive sisters. He claims to be Pasqualino "Seven Beauties" and has a reputation for attracting women. After going AWOL from military service, Pasqualino meets another AWOL soldier, Francesco, and they assume they are in Germany. Pasqualino recounts his story of making decisions to avoid difficult situations, including accidentally killing his sister's pimp, feigning insanity, and choosing military service over medical treatment. Captured by the Germans, Pasqualino and Francesco are sent to a POW camp, where Pasqualino attempts to survive by seducing the camp commandant, a sadistic and obese woman.