Bitter Rice

(1949)Directed by Giuseppe De Santis109 minDrama, Crime
An earthy drama of human passions among women rice workers in the Po Valley.

Francesca and Walter are two-bit criminals in Northern Italy, and, in an effort to avoid the police, Francesca joins a group of women rice workers. She meets the voluptuous peasant rice worker, Silvana, and the soon-to-be-discharged soldier, Marco. Walter follows her to the rice fields, and the four characters become involved in a complex plot involving robbery, love, and murder.

Doris Dowlingas Francesca
Silvana Manganoas Silvana
Raf Valloneas Marco
Checco Rissoneas Aristide
Nico Pepeas Beppe
Adriana Sivierias Celeste
Lia Corellias Amelia
Maria Grazia Franciaas Gabriella
Dedi Ristorias Anna
Anna Maestrias Irene
Mariemma Bardias Gianna
Maria Capuzzoas Giulia
Isabella Zennaroas Rosa
Carlo Mazzarellaas Gianetto
Attilio Dottesioas Radio Reporter (Uncredited)
Manlio Mannozzias Alessandro (Uncredited)
Mariano Englenas Cesare
Antonio Nedianias Erminio
Ermanno Randias Paolo
Aristide Catonias (uncredited)