This is another operatic fireworks spectacle of dramatic intrigue and complications by Raffaelle Matarazzo, a great pioneer in Italian cinema of neo-realism, and although this drama is more dramatic than brutally in the vein of neo-realism, there certainly is realism enough, and like some others of Matarazzo's films, it is very much like a veristic Italian opera. The lieutenant in question is quartered with his soldiers in a castle in Cosenza in southern Italy, and during this one night he is visited by an old maid who requests him to meet an anonymous young lady in trouble. Naturally the lieutenenat can't refuse the request, and we never learn what happened that night, but we can guess. Five years later he returns and finds the same lady in graver distrress than ever, and she has a four year old girl. The lieutenant, now a civilian, having left the army, is employed as a curator by the old count, excellently played by Gualtiero Tumiati, who is in permanent conflict with his neighbour, a baron equally excellently played by Eduardo Ciannelli. The intrigues and complications amass, and it looks pretty bad at times, especially when the small girl gets kidnapped, but the truth always prevails, and nothing can keep it shut up forever. Massimo Girotti is perfect as the intrepid lieutenant, and Milly Vitale as Elisa, the countess, is equally splendid - this is great theatre above all. You will get worried but rewarded.
