Il Vedovo (1959)

An Italian businessman (Alberto Sordi) is dependent on his wealthy wife (Franca Valeri) who holds the purse strings. His lack of business expertise has him on the verge of bankruptcy but she won't help him. The fact that when she dies, he will become a very rich man does not escape him. Directed by Dino Risi (IL SORPASSO). An often witty and wicked black comedy with Alberto Sordi giving a marvelous performance as the larcenous husband whose greed exceeds his intelligence. One of the prime masters of commedia all'italiana, Dino Risi keeps us fascinated with this moronic imbecile if only to see how he's going to botch his carefully delineated murder plans. As the wife, Franca Valeri gives a delicious deadpan performance. Most enjoyable! With Livio Lorenzon, Leonora Ruffo, Nando Bruno and Enzo Petito.