The Basilisks

(1963)Directed by Lina Wertmüller85 minDrama, Comedy

Francesco, Sergio, and Antonio, three young men in a small, poverty-stricken village, lead uneventful lives. As all three are unemployed, they pass time roaming the streets and chasing girls. One day, Antonio's aunt asks him to stay with her and his cousins in Rome. He accepts and enrolls at a university, leaving his two friends behind to envy him for his new upscale lifestyle. But eventually Antonio returns, initially just for a day. Though he boasts about his life, he never returns to Rome and instead opts for his friends and the place he grew up, despite all its shortcomings.

Antonio Petruzzias Antonio
Rosanna Santoroas Anna
Sergio Ferraninoas Sergio
Luigi Barbierias Antonio's Father
Flora Carabellaas Luciana Bonfanti
Mimma Quiricoas Aunt Maria
Enzo Di Vecchiaas Friend
Rosetta Palumboas Rosetta
Manlio Bloisas Nicolino
Marisa Omodeias Cicci D'Andrea