Synopsis:
Based on the Nikolai Gogol story but set in modern-day Italy (1952), The Overcoat is the story of a poor city hall clerk (Renato Rascel) whose only desire is to buy a new overcoat. The town Mayor (Giulio Stival) is planning a reception for some visiting VIPs in honor of a new, wasteful piece of construction. The clerk bungles an assignment for the reception and is fired. But when he stumbles into a bribery scheme concerning the architects, in order to keep him quiet, he’s given his job back plus a bonus. He buys his long-cherished overcoat, which makes him so presentable he wins a new found respect from everybody. In a tragic twist, his coat is stolen and, exposed to the bitter elements, he contracts a severe fever from which he eventually dies. But death is accompanied by retribution; returning as a ghost the clerk wreaks havoc on the Mayor’s reception.

Reviews:
"Overall, this is just one of the best Italian film’s I’ve ever seen and I’m glad that a company like Raro Video has given it this prestigious treatment. Sure, The Overcoat is a sad film, but one with a lot of heart and great moments that no one should dare miss. Highly Recommended!"
Filmmonthly

Director
Alberto Lattuada

Writer
Alberto Lattuada, Giorgio Prosperi,
Giordano Corsi – from the story “The Overcoat” by Nokolai Gogol

Producer
Antonio Ansaldo-Patti, Enzo Curreli

Cast
Renato Rascel, Yvonne Sanson, Giulio Stival, Ettore Mattia, Giulio Calì, Sandra Milo, Simone Signoret

Cinematography
Mario Montuori

Editing
Eraldo Da Roma

Music
Felice Lattuada