Antonio Mombelli is content with his life as a primary school teacher in the small town of Vigevano. His wife, however, is ashamed of their humble circumstances and dreams of something better for their family. She insists he quits his job, gives up on his pension, and opens a small shoe factory.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Alberto SordiMaestro Mombelli | Maestro Mombelli |
 Claire BloomAda | Ada |
| VVito De TarantoHeadmaster | Headmaster |
 Guido SpadeaNanini | Nanini |
| EEva MagniWidow Nanini | Widow Nanini |
 Piero MazzarellaBugatti | Bugatti |
 Ezio SancrottiMombelli's brother-in-law | Mombelli's brother-in-law |
| AAnna CarenaDrivaldi | Drivaldi |
| UUmberto RoccoNot listed | Not listed |
| CCarlo MontiniNot listed | Not listed |
| AAdriana TocchioRacalmuto | Racalmuto |
| TTullio ScovazziNot listed | Not listed |
| TTullio ScovazziRino | Rino |
| EEnzo SavoneMenelik Bugatti | Menelik Bugatti |
| GGustavo D'ArpeAmiconi | Amiconi |
| IIgnazio GibiliscoVaraldi | Varaldi |
| BBruno De CerceCipolloni | Cipolloni |
 Nando AngeliniNot listed | Not listed |
| EEgidio CasolariFilippi | Filippi |
| AAgniello CostabileZarzalli | Zarzalli |
| FFranco MoraldiNot listed | Not listed |
| OOlivo MondinCaretaker | Caretaker |
 Joris MuzioNot listed | Not listed |
| LLuciano MuzziNot listed | Not listed |
| FFranco TuminelliNot listed | Not listed |
| LLorenzo LogliFootwear Wholesaler | Footwear Wholesaler |
| GGaetano FusariDoctor | Doctor |