Anna tells us the tragic story of Cio-cio-san, protagonist of Madam Butterly, an opera by Giacomo Puccini, libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica. The opera was dedicated to the Queen of Italy, Elena di Montenegro.

Video on Romina Power’s comments at a conference of the Animalisti Italiani [Italian Association for the Rights of Animals]. Power voices her complete disapproval of the abuse of animals killed to make fur coats.

Franco Commisso, an emerging Italian artist, talks about his latest song "Mai, mai ormai," [Never, Never by Now]. The interview covers subjects like his early start in music, competing at age three, and his performing in Korea. Video provided by PA 74 Music.

In class, Barbara recites a Petrarch sonnet, proving to be much further ahead than her classmates in the curriculum. In reaction, the teacher decides to assign double the homework for all her students. Meanwhile, Sara continues her battle, trying to convince Marioni to give her the chance to play. For more about this sonnet and a paraphrase, see this article. See also this Yabla lesson.

Irene becomes furious with Luca when she discovers that he is obsessively following and controlling Marco, while she does busy work in a shop to distract herself from her own thoughts. Meanwhile, Barbara arrives at the new school and Sara goes to the school director with a particular request.

Barbara and her mother appear decidedly more serene, and Barbara seems ready to start over. Meanwhile, at Rosario's house, his parents try to reassure him in anticipation of the meeting with his birth mother.

The kids are becoming friends and Matteo suggests changing the group's name. Marioni thinks about how he would like to react and his imagination takes over. Matteo has a conversation with his mother.

The kids who were involved by Marioni to help Matteo create a chat, and Sara immediately makes a bad impression. At Robbo's house, things seem a bit tense, and little Chiara is worried.

Marioni asks Sara for help with Matteo. In the evening, Matteo is out walking with his uncle who is being a bit over-protective.

Marioni tells the orchestra what he has in mind to help Matteo get integrated into the orchestra. The students involved begin to get organized by sharing their phone numbers.

During the orchestra rehearsal, a player makes a mistake and Marioni, the conductor, doesn't hesitate to press the point, in his usual cruel manner, that an orchestra is not a democracy.

Domenico Modugno goes to New York City, where he sees his song has taken over. It made history all over the world.

The winner of Sanremo is announced, and the news travels fast. The winning song makes Italians feel optimistic after the terrible war and postwar periods.

The big night arrives and we, along with so many watching him on black and white TV, finally hear the song in Modugno's performance at Sanremo. It was a moment of great pride and optimism for Italy.

Mimmo and Franca have a relaxing moment by the sea. Franca has some important news for him.