A broken clock, three useless ideologies, and one mechanic who just wants to fix things.
The historic clock of a small town needs to be repaired but there is no money in the town coffers to pay for it. Don Paolo (Peppino Spadaro), the Priest, raises the money by lottery and thinks the surplus should go to the poor. The Communists and Socialists object because they are afraid the priest will get the credit and they claim it as "the people's money." The democratic mayor (Arturo Brogaglia) can think of no solution other than organizing committees and sub-committees. Finally, Rocchetti (Paola Stoppi), the town mechanic who has no answers for town problems and hates the clergy and politicians alike, comes forward and repairs the clock for the sheer joy of work.
Acting
Paolo Stoppa's gruff mechanic steals every scene.
Writing
Sharp satire of left vs. right that still stings today.
Director
Paolo William Tamburella
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Made during Italy's post-war reconstruction, the film satirizes all political factions while subtly celebrating the 'uomo qualunque' — the ordinary man who just wants to work.
Paolo Stoppa would become one of Italy's most celebrated character actors, later appearing in Visconti's 'The Leopard' and 'Rocco and His Brothers' — this early role already shows his gift for making gruffness sympathetic.
IT
