Bread, Love and Jealousy

Plot

Antonio (Vittorio De Sica) is in love with the midwife Annarella (Marisa Merlini), knowing that she has a son. Both of them are in love with each other, until the father of the kid, who also serves in the military, appears and, with the help of the priest Don Emidio (Virgilio Riento), is reunited with his son.

Having to atten spend for twenty months far from the village, Pietro (Roberto Risso) asks the marshal to take care of Maria (Gina Lollobrigida). Despite not being happy to spend time with the captain, because of her poverty and her need to collect the dowry, she goes to serve at the marshal’s house, since his maid, Caramella (Tina Pica), is ill.

The villagers start spreading gossips about the marshal and Maria, which will reach to Pietro too. One day, during a lunch at the house of Maria's cousin, the marshal dances with her and is seen by both Pietro and Annarella . Seing them dancing intimately, Maria and Pietro break up. As the relationship is over, Maria leaves the house and joins a dancing group. Her mother asks the marshal to help her, saying that she is under-aged. When the marshal goes for an enquiry, the owner of the dance company convinces the mother of Maria with money, while the marshal discovers that she is not actually under age. Maria tries to seduce the marshal, but without success.

Finally Pietro and Maria will be reunited and will leave the village. The marshal comes wave them goodbye at the station. While going back, he meets a middle aged bachelor lady who's going to the village as the new midwife.

Overview and response

Pane, amore e gelosia is usually considered one of the most famous examples of Pink neorealism. Tina Pica won the Nastro d'Argento as Best Supporting Actress for this film.

Cast

Soundtrack