When Gelsomina, a naïve young woman, is purchased from her impoverished mother by brutish circus strongman Zampanò to be his wife and partner, she loyally endures her husband's coldness and abuse as they travel the Italian countryside performing together. Soon Zampanò must deal with his jealousy and conflicted feelings about Gelsomina when she finds a kindred spirit in Il Matto, the carefree circus fool, and contemplates leaving Zampanò.

Giulietta Masina
as Gelsomina

Anthony Quinn
as Zampanò

Richard Basehart
as Matto

Aldo Silvani
as Mr. Giraffa

Marcella Rovere
as Widow

Livia Venturini
as Nun

Pietro Ceccarelli
as Innkeeper (uncredited)

Giovanna Galli
as Prostitute at Inn (uncredited)

Gustavo Giorgi
as (uncredited)

Yami Kamadeva
as Prostitute (uncredited)
CinemaSerf
Anthony Quinn is nigh on perfect for the "Zampanò" role here. He is a travelling strongman who buys "Gelsomina" (Giulietta Masina) from her mother for a pretty paltry sum and some food. She's none-too-pleased with her new, nomadic, life and he is not exactly the ideal companion. In fact, he's a bit ...