When Gelsomina, a naïve young woman, is purchased from her impoverished mother by brutish circus strongman Zampanò to be his wife and partner, she loyally endures her husband's coldness and abuse as they travel the Italian countryside performing together. Soon Zampanò must deal with his jealousy and conflicted feelings about Gelsomina when she finds a kindred spirit in Il Matto, the carefree circus fool, and contemplates leaving Zampanò.

Genres

Cast

Giulietta Masina

Gelsomina

Anthony Quinn

Zampanò

Richard Basehart

Matto

Aldo Silvani

Mr. Giraffa

Marcella Rovere

Widow

Pietro Ceccarelli

Innkeeper (uncredited)

Mario Passante

Waiter (uncredited)

Goffredo Unger

Man Restraining Zampano (uncredited)

Nazzareno Zamperla

Man Restraining Zampano (uncredited)

Arnoldo Foà

Zampanò (voice) (uncredited)