The Bigamist Poster

The Bigamist 1956

★ 6.611 votes95 min📅 1956-02-17

In *The Bigamist (1956)*, Italian cinema crafts a sharp yet poignant comedy-drama that unfolds behind bars, where a traveling salesman's double life spirals into an unexpected scandal.

Director: Luciano Emmer

Cast

Marcello Mastroianni
Marcello Mastroianni
Mario De Santis
Franca Valeri
Franca Valeri
Isolina Fornaciari
Giovanna Ralli
Giovanna Ralli
Valeria Masetti
Vittorio De Sica
Vittorio De Sica
Honorable Prince / Attorney Prince
Marisa Merlini
Marisa Merlini
Enza Masetti
Memmo Carotenuto
Memmo Carotenuto
Quirino Proietti
Ave Ninchi
Ave Ninchi
Mrs. Masetti / Missis Masetti
Vincenzo Talarico
The civil lawyer
Guglielmo Inglese
Guglielmo Inglese
Don Vincenzino
Mario Passante
Mario Passante
Avvocato dei Fornaciari

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Bigamist (1956) about?

This Italian comedy-drama follows a traveling salesman whose secret second marriage lands him in prison, forcing his two families to confront his betrayal. The story balances sharp humor with emotional weight as they decide whether to stand by him or walk away.

Who directed The Bigamist?

Luciano Emmer, an Italian director known for blending comedy and drama, helmed *The Bigamist*.

Who stars in The Bigamist?

The cast features Marcello Mastroianni as the titular bigamist, alongside Franca Valeri, Giovanna Ralli, Vittorio De Sica, and Marisa Merlini in key roles.

Is The Bigamist (1956) worth watching?

*The Bigamist* isn't just a forgotten gem—it's a clever, heartfelt comedy with standout performances from Mastroianni and Valeri. While not as widely known today, its sharp script and Emmer's direction make it a compelling watch for fans of classic Italian cinema.

How long is The Bigamist?

The runtime for *The Bigamist (1956)* is 95 minutes.

About The Bigamist (1956) — A Forgotten Italian Comedy with a Twist

In *The Bigamist (1956)*, Italian cinema crafts a sharp yet poignant comedy-drama that unfolds behind bars, where a traveling salesman's double life spirals into an unexpected scandal. Directed by Luciano Emmer, the film navigates the delicate balance between humor and heartbreak as a man's secret second marriage lands him in prison, leaving his first family to grapple with betrayal and uncertainty. Marcello Mastroianni delivers a standout performance, embodying the charm and recklessness of a man torn between two worlds, while Franca Valeri and Giovanna Ralli bring emotional depth to the roles of his confused yet resilient wives.

The Bigamist (1956) thrives on Emmer's deft handling of tone, blending satire with sincerity to explore themes of deception, loyalty, and the fragility of domestic bliss. Set against the backdrop of post-war Italy, the film's crisp pacing and witty dialogue underscore the absurdity of its premise while never losing sight of its human stakes. With a runtime of just 95 minutes, it's a tight, engaging narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.