Italy in the 17th century. The polymath Galileo Galilei receives a new invention from Holland: the telescope. He succeeded in significantly improving the instrument. His "telescope" brought him much recognition - and finally allowed him to disprove the idea that the Earth was the center of the universe. This brought him into conflict with the Church's authority of interpretation. However, Galileo's thirst for knowledge was greater than his fear and so, despite all warnings and to the misfortune of his daughter, he continued to work undeterred. After a controversy within the Church, from which the reactionary forces emerged stronger, Galileo was arrested. Under the threat of torture, he recanted his teachings - betraying science, truth and himself.