Monteforte, once a thriving town thanks to the orange trade, is now economically destitute and the pensions of its elderly citizens are now the only source of income: Salvo finds himself forced to live not only with his mother-in-law, but also with Donatella's aunt Carmela.

Valentino, in the meantime, reconnects with Roberta, the daughter of the superintendent of the local Carabinieri, with whom he had a relationship in his youth before leaving for Palermo.

Slowly Salvo's scheme gains popularity and the elderly women become desirable to the unemployed men of the town.

The parish priest of Monteforte, Father Benedetto, tries to convince Valentino and Aunt Lucia to come to their senses and call off the wedding.

However, the next morning, the priest interrupts the ceremony, declaring his love for Lucia and showing that he has left the priesthood.