Il Bigamo (1956)

A traveling salesman (Marcello Mastroianni) has his world turned upside down when an unstable woman (Franca Valeri) shows up and claims to be his wife even though he already has a wife (Giovanna Ralli) and child. Even his shyster lawyer (Vittorio De Sica) believes he's guilty. Directed by Luciano Emmer, this amusing farce takes aim at the Italian legal system. Although he shot to international stardom in his Fellini dramas (LA DOLCE VITA, 8 1/2), people tend to forget what a wonderful comedic actor Mastroianni was. As the put upon "everyman" dumped on and abused by the legal system, the media and even his family and neighbors, Mastroianni perfectly (and hilariously) encapsulates the frustrations of an ordinary man overwhelmed by the enormity of circumstances. As his attorney, De Sica has a showy role which he milks (perhaps too much) but his timing is not to be faulted. Alas, by the film's courtroom finale, the movie has exhausted its welcome and one just waits for it to end. A pity because I was enjoying the ride till then. With Marisa Merlini and Memmo Carotenuto.