For centuries the survival of Venice, built as it is on mud-flats at the edge of the stormy Adriatic, has symbolised the triumph of man over nature; but within 20 or 30 years it could be lost.

The story of this tragedy is perhaps all too well known, but what is new is that for the first time scientists have begun to understand why Venice is sinking, and how they can stop the floods that threaten it. This scientific story is a fascinating one, as it pieces together evidence in climatology, geology, hydrodynamics and Venetian history.

Yet all the time working against Venice is the port of Marghera. Built in the 1920s paradoxically to solve the unemployment problems of the ailing city, it is now contributing to the destruction of Venice in a multitude of ways. Any restriction on its activities produces an -uproar from its industrialists and trade unions.

The film shows the constant strikes and political pressures which paralyse Venice and the intrigues inside the Town Hall which prevent effective action. Through all these problems, can Venice survive?