Eduardo De Filippo is one of Italy's best known playwrights and this piece translated in English as "Christmas in the Cupiello House" is considered one of his most popular works. The holiday comedy/drama features Luca and Concetta Cupiello, their son Nennillo, daughter Ninuccia and her husband Nicola as the main characters, however it is the ancillary cast that adds the most flavor to the bawdy dialogue. The plot follows Ninuccia on Christmas Eve as she wants to leave her husband for her brother's friend, Vittorio. She writes a "Dear John," letter, but misplaces it and her father Luca inadvertently gives it to her husband Nicola. The sordid affair destroys the marriage while the family tries in vain to salvage what is left of Christmas and Ninuccia's marriage with tragic and heartfelt results.