1956. Sicily. Catania. The arrival of a handsome young man - with high connections in Rome - a scion of an old Sicilian family, unsettles the small community of the city and triggers a series of events that expose the "dirty laundry" and the "quirks" of its members.

The serious becomes intertwined with the ridiculous, the everyday mingles with the metaphysical, pharisaism accompanies innocence, tears laugh with laughter, and convenient lies flirt with half-truths.

Amidst this turmoil stands Mamma, the matriarch of the Sicilian family. An archetypal figure of Mother - Mistress - Queen. Mamma-general, Mamma-doctor, Mamma-educator, Mamma-matchmaker and guide, Mamma-guardian of tradition, skillfully handles the struggle of life.

She manages, with devilish zeal and religious devotion, the defense of the interests, honor, and reputation of the family.

(Sotiris Tsogas, from the introductory text)