Franca Valeri

Directed by Dino Risi, this dark comedy stars Alberto Sordi as a delusional entrepreneur married to a wealthy, sharp-tongued businesswoman, played by Franca Valeri. When he plots to eliminate her, absurdity ensues. A biting satire on ambition and gender roles in postwar Italy, Il Vedovo remains a landmark of commedia all’italiana with unforgettable performances.

A series of candidates for the Chamber encounters difficulties during the electoral campaign: the Christian Democrat Bianca Sereni (Franca Valeri) falls in love with the photographer who wants to discredit her, Senator Rossani Breschi (Gino Cervi) is forced to stop his rally because of a gang of children, the monarchist Antonio La Trippa (Totò) torments the condominiums with endless speeches ...