The Head of the Family (, ) is a 1967 Italian-French comedy-drama film co-written and directed by Nanni Loy. Starring Nino Manfredi, Leslie Caron and Ugo Tognazzi, it entered the main competition at the 28th Venice International Film Festival.

Plot The story centres on Marco and Paola, both architects, who meet after World War II and get married. Though deeply in love they come from different backgrounds, and do not share the same outlook on life. After the wedding, she gives up her work to instead dedicate herself to raising their growing family, and he, feeling abandoned by her, initiates an affair with one of his colleagues.

Following the various dramas of bringing up the children, who are schooled with the Montessori method, the wife goes to a clinic to recover from a nervous breakdown, while he, still in love with his wife, returns to his own family. When he's asked by a Census official, who is the Head of the Family, the husband does not know what to reply.

Cast

Nino Manfredi as Marco Leslie Caron as Paola Ugo Tognazzi as Romeo Claudine Auger as Adriana Mario Carotenuto as Paola's father Sergio Tofano as Amedeo, Marco's father Evi Maltagliati as Luisa, Marco's mother Elsa Vazzoler as Carla, Paola's mother Gino Pernice as Marco's colleague Raoul Grassilli as Neurologist Giampiero Albertini as Natalino Antonella Della Porta as Bonaria Marisa Solinas as Angela Paolo Bonacelli as Surveyor Luca Sportelli as Marco's colleague Rina Franchetti

Production The role of Paola, played by Leslie Caron, was originally intended for Anne Bancroft. Veteran actor Totò was originally cast as Romeo, the anarchist, but died two days after filming his first scene; he was replaced by Ugo Tognazzi. Principal cinematography started on March 1967.

Release The film premiered in competition at the 28th edition of the Venice Film Festival.

Reception The film was a major success, grossing over 828 million lire at the Italian box office. Ugo Tognazzi was nominated for the Nastro d'Argento for Best Supporting Actor, while for his performance in this film and in Italian Secret Service, Nino Manfredi was awarded with a Golden Plate at the 1968 David di Donatello Awards.

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