Alberto's marriage is a complete failure: his wife Elena is a hard woman influenced by her mother and sister who live with the married couple. Alberto is also experiencing financial problems and hopes for the help of a rich widow who is however interested in his sexual favours. Naturally Elena puts obstacles in his way and everything goes wrong. Alberto decides to change job then and becomes a sweets sales representative. Disillusioned with marital life he also changes his attitude towards women: he tells every woman he meets he is single.
Acting
Sordi's sweaty desperation is physically committed.
Direction
Dual directors keep the farce machine grinding.
Director
Gianni Puccini
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Sordi's 'average Italian man' persona here weaponizes postwar masculine anxiety — the comedy lands differently knowing Italy's economic miracle was just beginning.
Dual director credit suggests production trouble; Loy would later make 'The Four Days of Naples,' Puccini died within five years.
IT
