The Overtaxed

Plot

Mr. Pezzella (Totò) owns and runs a successful luxury clothes shop. He does not like to pay taxes, and he resorts to the services of a tax consultant (interpreted by Louis de Funès) in order minimize this expense and exploit every loophole. Unfortunately for Pezzella, the Borders and Revenue police (Guardia di Finanza) suspects his high income, and orders an inspection by marshal Topponi (Aldo Fabrizi) and brigadier Bardi. Pezzella is advised by his incompetent tax consultant to try bribing the marshal in every possible way. Pezzella's clumsy attempts and intrusiveness create many misunderstandings and comedic situations. The honest marshal remains unaffected and completes his report, which would force Pezzella to pay a heavy 15 million lire fine. As a last resort, Pezzella manages to steal the marshal's bag, with all the official documents on which the inspection is based. But in the end, perhaps moved by pity for Topponi who would get in trouble with his superiors if unable to produce the documents, and has become over time a familiar figure and is revealed to also be father of Pezzella's son love interest, the rich shop owner decides to follow instead his conscience and to return the bag, facing any charges.

Cast