A Brief Vacation is a 1973 melodrama film directed by Vittorio De Sica. The screenplay, written by Cesare Zavattini, was inspired by an Apollinaire adage ("Sickness is the vacation of the poor").

Synopsis

The film concerns a female factory worker from Calabria who falls ill on the job and is prescribed a stay at a mountain retreat. She goes despite her husband's wishes, leaving behind her thankless work shift and her frustrating in-laws, but also her three children. The film addresses issues such as the health care system, labor conditions, spousal satisfaction, and class struggle.

Cast

Critical reception

The film was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film by the U.S. National Board of Review. Florinda Bolkan won the inaugural Best Actress prize from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association for her performance.