Giulio Tempesti

This film was not based on the famous one-act opera of Pietro Mascagni but rather on the original story by the Sicilian writer Giovanni Verga. It's the story of Santuzza, her love Turiddu, and his passion for the married Lola that leads to his death in a duel when Lola's husband Alfio exacts satisfaction.

A blacksmith from Montevergine, accused of murder, flees to Argentina. Years later, a mute witness testifies to his innocence, leading to his acquittal. Just before returning home, an Argentine woman plants opium in his luggage, resulting in a ten-year prison sentence. After his release, he finds his daughter engaged to a wealthy landowner who had falsely accused him. Enraged, he plans to kill the man but is moved by grace at the Marian Shrine, lays down his weapon, and makes peace with his enemy.