AllMovie

The Italian Peddlin' in Society was originally released as Da Bancarella a Bancarotta. Anna Magnani stars as Gioconda, a fruit vendor who supplements her income by trafficking in black-market goods. Making her fortune, Gioconda tries to crash society, leasing a lavish villa for this purpose. Alas, she eventually falls victim to sycophants and leeches who try to use her new social position for their own gain. Vittorio de Sica co-stars as an impoverished count who briefly serves as Anna Magnani's conduit into the Upper Crust. It is clear that both stars were directing themselves, since official director Gennaro Righelli exhibits stylistic uncertainty throughout.