Bello, onesto, emigrato australia, sposerebbe compaesana illibata

“Good looking, honest Australia emigrant looking for a untouched compatriot for marriage”: Amedeo Battipaglia (Alberto Sordi) has been living in Australia for 20 years, but can’t find any (suitable) woman to share his life there. The Australian women are too independent and emancipated for him, he also wants to marry a virgin, not realizing that traditions have changed in Italy too since he left. As the Italian women entering the country who might fit the bill are looking for a younger or more affluent partner, Amadeo creates an ad back in Italy – using the photo of an attractive friend to improve his chance of success. Carmela (Claudia Cardinale) doesn’t tell the truth in her letter either, in which she introduces herself as a shepherd from Calabria. The Roman prostitute is actually trying to flee the country by way of the flight ticket paid by Amadeo in order to get away from her pimp. Luigi Zampa’s satire draws on a romantic comedy plot to address the situation of the 500,000 Italians who emigrated to Australia, often ruined their health by working in the mines and spent their free time isolated in Italian clubs. (hjf)