The Conjugal Bed (1963)
"L'ape regina" (original title)

A 40 years old man, Alfonso, finally succeeds to marry a virgin, educate, beautiful and very catholic woman. But soon she, Regina, starts stressing him because she wants to be pregnant. ... See full summary »

Director:

Marco Ferreri

Writers:

Goffredo Parise (idea), Rafael Azcona (story),

Stars:

Ugo Tognazzi, Marina Vlady, Walter Giller

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Ugo Tognazzi	...	Alfonso
Marina Vlady	...	Regina
Walter Giller	...	Father Mariano
Linda Sini	...	Mother Superior
Riccardo Fellini	...	Riccardo
Gian Luigi Polidoro	...	Igi (as Igi Polidoro)
Nino Vingelli	...	Man at the Cemetery
Achille Majeroni	...	Aunt Mafalda

Storyline

A 40 years old man, Alfonso, finally succeeds to marry a virgin, educate, beautiful and very catholic woman. But soon she, Regina, starts stressing him because she wants to be pregnant. When the stress is at its peak Regina at last gets pregnant. Once the goal is reached the man is put aside and dies.

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Plot Keywords:

40 year old | difficult procreation | christian religion | commedia all'italiana | citroen | 

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Taglines:

A story of the Queen Bee.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

Italy France

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

21 February 1964 (West Germany)

Also Known As:

The Conjugal Bed

Filming Locations:

Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sancro Film, Cocinor, Les Films Marceau

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

User Reviews

Queen bee

Marina Vlady won the "best actress " prize at the Festival de Cannes in 1963.

Alfonso is a forty-something who wants to marry a young virgin,for is an Italian macho .He had not reckoned on his young wife's sexual appetite ;it will cost him his health .The parallel with the queen bee (check the title) is relevant,although Regina (check the name) is more of a praying mantis.The last pictures show her triumphantly expecting her child .The male rarely escapes unharmed in Ferreri's fables (see also "L'Ultima Donna")Ugo Tognazzi shines as the smug man ,proud of his virility and Marina Vlady was far from her "romantic young lead " parts.