I Vitelloni [re-release] 2003

The Collapse of Miss Mermaid 1953

As the summer bids farewell under darkening skies, the seaside beauty pageant erupts in chaos when newly crowned 'Miss Mermaid 1953,' Sandra Rubini, collapses on stage. This shocking event triggers swirling rumors about her alleged pregnancy with playboy Fausto Moretti, setting off a chain of events that will change their lives forever.

The Shotgun Wedding

Under pressure from his respectable father, Fausto Moretti reluctantly agrees to a hurried shotgun wedding with Sandra. The marriage is overshadowed by societal expectations, transforming what should have been a joyous occasion into a moment of obligation, further entrenching Fausto in a life he is ill-prepared for.

Drifting Friends

Meanwhile, Fausto's group of aimless friends—Moraldo, Riccardo, Alberto, Olga, and Leopoldo—wander through life without direction or purpose. They spend their time engaging in juvenile antics around deserted cafes and beaches, shielded by their parents' financial support, blissfully unaware of the impending reality they will face.

Fausto's Mundane Job

Upon returning from his uninspiring honeymoon, Fausto finds himself in a monotonous position as a stockroom assistant for a family acquaintance. This job becomes emblematic of his struggles as he grapples with the disillusionment of married life while yearning for excitement and infidelity.

The Masquerade Ball

At a flamboyant masquerade ball, Fausto's attention is captured by Giulia Curti, the enigmatic wife of his employer. The tension escalates as Alberto performs an outrageous drag act, blending elements of surrealism into the evening as Fausto's flirting with Giulia intensifies, setting the stage for humiliation.

Public Humiliation

Fausto’s innocent flirtation with Giulia soon escalates into public disgrace when her husband confronts him at the ball. This embarrassing incident forces Fausto into a petty mindset, leading him to devise a plan to regain his pride by stealing a golden statue of an angel, setting off a string of misadventures.

The Failed Pawn

Attempting to cash in on his theft, Fausto's efforts to pawn the stolen statue are met with skepticism and suspicion everywhere he turns. Whether dealing with a convent, a skeptical monk, or trying to find a buyer, each encounter unveils the futility of his actions until a kind-hearted peasant accepts the statue as a gesture of goodwill.

Leopoldo's Aspirations

Leopoldo engages in a profound conversation with the eccentric actor Sergio Natali about the play he is writing. However, this meeting takes an uncomfortable turn when Sergio's advances become aggressive, prompting Leopoldo to flee, leaving him to grapple with his aspirations amidst unwanted attention.

The Disclosing Indiscretion

The delicate fabric of Fausto's life unravels when his indiscretion with variety performer Sandra comes to light. The revelation pushes Sandra to leave Fausto and take their child, provoking a fateful crisis that compels Moraldo, Riccardo, Alberto, and Leopoldo to take action and confront Fausto's enraged father.

Seeking Reconciliation

Through heartfelt reconciliatory gestures, Fausto and Sandra find solace during a peaceful walk home. This moment of connection renews hope for their future together, suggesting a possible redemption from their previous turmoil as they navigate the complexities of relationships in their small-town existence.

Moraldo's Escape

In a moment of introspection, Moraldo decides to leave the stagnancy of provincial life behind. Boarding a train to Rome, he envisions life beyond the confines of their small town, pondering the dreams that his friends, the Vitelloni, might be lost in as they remain trapped in a mundane cycle.

Consequences of Indulgence

As Fausto's self-indulgent pursuits continue to mar his marriage with Sandra, he faces the profound consequences of his actions. Faced with fleeting desires, he finds himself trapped in a web of deceit, reflecting the struggles of a man torn between obligation and the allure of freedom.