For Zeffirelli, cinema had always been a goal—one that required thorough preparation. In 1951, after working as an assistant director to Luchino Visconti on "La terra trema" and "Bellissima", Zeffirelli developed several personal film projects that failed to materialize. He therefore continued his apprenticeship as an assistant to Visconti and to Antonio Pietrangeli, while establishing himself both in Italy and abroad as a set designer and opera director. It was only in 1957 that he had his first opportunity to put himself to the test with this unpretentious comedy, based on a story by Nino Manfredi and supported by a highly skilled technical crew.