Naples to New York

In 1949 Naples, ten-year-old Celestina Scognamiglio loses her home and her aunt Amelia in an accidental explosion. Left orphaned, Celestina’s only surviving relative is her sister Agnese, Anna Lucia Pierro who years earlier emigrated to New York. Her companion is Carmine, a twelve-year-old street boy who survives by selling cigarettes and small cons in post-war Naples.

The pair encounter George, an African-American cook working on the U.S. Navy ship Victory docked in the port. After a failed deal involving a jaguar cub, Carmine secretly follows George onto the ship, with Celestina clinging to his boat. They become clandestine stowaways bound for New York.

On board, they are discovered by the ship’s purser, Domenico Garofalo, Pierfrancesco Favino, who persuades the captain to let them remain until arrival. During the voyage, Celestina and Carmine assist George in the galley and occasionally trick passengers with card games. George is later arrested on suspicion of wrongdoing but eventually exonerated thanks to Carmine’s testimony.

Upon arrival, Domenico prevents the children’s deportation by threatening to expose the captain’s alcoholism. Captain helps them disembark, and George aids them by getting them off, hidden inside a crate of oranges.

In New York, Celestina learns that Agnese has been arrested and charged with murder after killing her abusive, already-married husband. Despairing, she attempts suicide but is saved by local children and hospitalized. Carmine reunites with Domenico and his wife Anna, Anna Ammirati, who consider adopting both children. Carmine hesitates, fearing that adoption would make Celestina his sister, preventing him from one day marrying her.

Domenico enlists journalist Joe Agrillo to publicize Agnese’s plight. Italian-American communities and early feminist groups rally to her defense, reducing her sentence from death to two years in prison. The film concludes with Carmine and Celestina facing an uncertain but hopeful future, as Domenico offers them a home in their new land.

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 08:49