The Peddler and the Lady (1943)
A charming Italian comedy-drama set among the stalls and rivalries of Rome's beloved Campo de' Fiori market.
The Peddler and the Lady - Movie Information
- Original Title: Campo de' fiori
- Release Year: 1943
- Directed by: Mario Bonnard
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 24, 1943 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: The Peddler and the Lady (UK)
- Production Companies: Società Italiana Cines, ENIC
- Production Countries: Italy
The Peddler and the Lady - Plot
Peppino, a fishmonger on Campo de' Fiori, a famous Roman marketplace, works alongside Elide, a greengrocer, who has a soft spot for him, despite the fact they argue all day long... But neither Peppino, nor his friend Aurelio, the barber, are interested in getting married. Until he meets the beautiful Elsa...
Where to Watch The Peddler and the Lady
Looking for where to watch The Peddler and the Lady?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Peddler and the Lady - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mario Bonnard
Main Cast
- Aldo Fabrizi
- Anna Magnani
- Peppino De Filippo
- Caterina Boratto
- Olga Solbelli
- Rina Franchetti
- Saro Urzì
- Cristiano Cristiani
Writers
- Marino Girolami
- Mario Bonnard
Producers
- Giuseppe Amato
The Peddler and the Lady - FAQs
What is The Peddler and the Lady about?
The Peddler and the Lady follows Peppino, a lively fishmonger working Rome's iconic Campo de' Fiori market, who spends his days bickering with Elide, a greengrocer who secretly adores him. Everything changes when the charming Elsa arrives and sweeps Peppino off his feet, setting off a warm and witty romantic comedy.
Who are the main actors in The Peddler and the Lady?
The film stars two legends of Italian cinema: Aldo Fabrizi as the lovable fishmonger Peppino and Anna Magnani as the spirited greengrocer Elide. Peppino De Filippo rounds out the central trio as Aurelio the barber, while Caterina Boratto plays the alluring Elsa.
Is The Peddler and the Lady worth watching today?
Absolutely. The film is a delightful snapshot of wartime Italian cinema at its most human and humorous. The chemistry between Aldo Fabrizi and Anna Magnani crackles with natural energy, and the bustling Campo de' Fiori setting gives the story an irresistible sense of place and warmth.
Did Aldo Fabrizi and Anna Magnani work together again?
Yes — their pairing here proved so compelling that both went on to star in Roberto Rossellini's landmark neorealist film Rome, Open City (1945), one of the most celebrated Italian films ever made. The Peddler and the Lady is often seen as an early showcase of their remarkable on-screen rapport.
Where was The Peddler and the Lady filmed?
The film is set around Campo de' Fiori, the famous open-air market square in central Rome. This real-world location gives the story its authentic street-life atmosphere, capturing the energy and character of everyday Roman life during the early 1940s.
Who directed The Peddler and the Lady?
Mario Bonnard directed the film, working from a screenplay he co-wrote with Marino Girolami. Bonnard was a prolific Italian filmmaker who had transitioned from acting to directing, and this picture stands among his most fondly remembered works.
What genre is The Peddler and the Lady?
It blends comedy and drama in the tradition of Italian popular cinema of the era — warm, character-driven, and rooted in everyday life. The film balances laugh-out-loud marketplace banter with genuine romantic feeling, making it an engaging watch for fans of classic European cinema.
What are some movies similar to The Peddler and the Lady?
If you enjoy its blend of warmth, humor, and Italian character, you might also like We All Loved Each Other So Much (1974), Tickets (2005), or Unfair Competition (2001). Each shares a similar spirit of human comedy rooted in community, relationships, and the texture of everyday life.
More About The Peddler and the Lady
Explore further details about this classic Italian film through these trusted resources.