Freely inspired by Thomas Mann’s classic novel, the film is set in the twilight atmosphere of Lido and tells of the romantic obsession of an elderly sick musician infatuated with the androgeneous beauty of a young boy. The salons and terraces of the Hotel Des Bains are used to suggest a painful side to Venice, that almost merges with the agony that eventually drives the protagonist  to his death.The film, magnificently directed by Luchino Visconti, was shot amidst the “Liberty” (Art Nouveau) architecture and beaches of Venice’s Lido and a few views of the island of San Giorgio.