Two families live in extreme poverty, in a neapoletanian ‘basso’. They are literally starving, to such
an extent that Felice sends away his young son (Peppiniello, 8), a child from his former marriage. Felice and Pasquale
receive the young Prince Favetti, who wants to
marry Gemma, the daughter of a rich man, a former
cook. Not having the blessing of his family, as the girl has no noble title
and a dancer, The Prince ask the two man to act as
his noble family. He’ll provide the costumes.
MeanwhileGemma’s
brother is in love with Pasquale’s daughter.
The young man understanding the poverty of the
family sends a rich meal with servants and cooks. A miracle.
act two
The rich house of the cook, GaetanoSemmolone, father to Gemma.
Entrance of Felice and Pasquale with their families
in gorgeous dresses. They all pretend to be very rich and snobbish. The
former cook invites them to live with him for years. The problems of the poor
family seem solved. But Felice’s
son is serving in the same house. And his mother also. Mother and son meet. Felices second wife comes to the house unexpected,
disguised as an old an ill aunt of the prince. The two Felice’s
wives fight. The trick is discovered, Gaetano learns to have been betrayed. Finally a old lover of Gemma reveals to
be the young Prince’s father and agrees to the
marriage. At the end all is set, the couple will
marry as Pasquale’s daughter with the son of the
cook. Peppiniello, the boy is going back to live
with his father and mother.
