In this little village on the Italian coast, Joseppi and Eduardo are neighbors. They leave each morning long before the sun rises to put out to sea to earn their living as fishermen.They are gone sometimes for 2 or 3 days, depending on the time of year, and the size of their catch. Like characters out of a Hemingway novel.
Joseppi is the father of 5 children, all sons!
Eduardo, unfortunately, is childless, which means he has no sons. For this he must endure the taunts of the villagers, and of his good neighbor Joseppi, esp after too much vino. He wears his humiliation heavily, as people point, stare, snicker. To be a married Italian man with no sons is worst than being dead.
A visit to the doctor confirms his fears--Eduardo is STERILE.His wife is not. In desperation he seeks out his neighbor and friend: If Joseppi could impregnate Eduardo's wife, that would solve the problem! At a meeting of both families, all parties agree to this.
As time goes by with no results, it is agreed that the frequency of liaisons between the two must be increased.
Again, time goes by. Eduardo is getting downright PISSED!! Joseppi keeps sleeping with his wife! Why is wife Not pregnant?? I'm going to put a stop to ths, sons or no sons!
At his insistence a doctor examins Joseppi. He too is found to be sterile!!
"If I'm sterile, how can I be the father of 5 sons?",he challenges.
"Perhaps," the doctor replies, "you need to have a long talk with your own wife."