: Just as their independence begins to bring prosperity and hope, a violent storm wrecks their boat. Without insurance or savings, the family is left with nothing.
: The family's downfall is swift and cruel. They are evicted from their home, the grandfather dies, 'Ntoni's brother becomes a smuggler, and one sister loses her chance at marriage due to their sudden poverty. La terra trema(1948)
: In the end, a defeated 'Ntoni is forced to swallow his pride and return to work as a day laborer for the very wholesalers he once defied. Cinematic Significance : Just as their independence begins to bring