Based on Ruggero Leoncavallo's opera Pagliacci. The film recounts the tragedy of Canio, the lead clown (or pagliaccio in Italian) in a commedia dell'arte troupe, his wife Nedda, and her lover, Silvio. When Nedda spurns the advances of Tonio, another player in the troupe, he tells Canio about Nedda's betrayal. In a jealous rage Canio murders both Nedda and Silvio. The only actor in the cast who also sang his role was the celebrated Italian baritone, Tito Gobbi, but the film is largely very faithful to its source material, presenting the opera nearly complete.
Tito Gobbi
as Tonio/Silvio
Gina Lollobrigida
as Nedda
Onelia Fineschi
as Nedda (singing voice)
Afro Poli
as Canio, master of the troupe
Galliano Masini
as Canio (singing voice)
Filippo Morucci
as Beppe, troupe harlequin
Gino Sinimberghi
as Beppe (singing voice)
