The Betrothed (1941 film)

The Betrothed ItalianI Promessi Sposi is a 1941 Italian historical drama film directed by Mario Camerini and starring Gino Cervi, Dina Sassoli and Ruggero Ruggeri. It is an adaptation of the 1827 novel The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni. The films producers organised a competition to select the lead actress eventually won by Sassoli which was modelled on the hunt for Scarlett OHara by the American producer David O. Selznick for Gone With the Wind.

In a small town on Lake Como, the peasants Renzo and Lucia love each other, but are hampered by the wickedness of the squire Don Rodrigo, which prevents the parish priest Don Abbondio to celebrate the wedding. Don Rodrigos in love with Lucia, and tries to kidnap her, but the good Friar Cristoforo agoes to escape the lake Renzo and Lucia. Lucia goes to Monza, in a monastery, while Renzo is involved in popular unrest in Milan. Lucia is kidnapped by a rich man, a friend of Don Rodrigo, after he bribed a female monk of the monastery.Lucia is brought to the castle of the Innominato Nameless, the friend of Don Rodrigo, but he has second thoughts about his cruel action. In fact, the next day the Innominato goes to confession of Cardinal Federigo Borromeo, and decides to get free Lucia, trying to make her join again with Renzo. Meanwhile, the plague is broke out in Lombardy, both Renzo and Lucia who are involved in the flagellum. Renzo finds Lucia in the hospital at Milan, cared for by Friar Christoforo. The young man also meets Don Rodrigo, who was also hit by the plague, dying, and decides to forgive him. When Renzo embraces Lucia, the two can finally get married because they are no longer oppressed. ........

Source: Wikipedia