Tally’s Blood explores the experiences of Italian immigrants in Scotland. By the end of the play the central protagonist, Rosinella, overcomes her prejudiced attitudes towards Scottish people.
After his wife dies, Luigi gives his daughter, Lucia, to Rosinella and Massimo to look after. They have no children of their own and Lucia grows up spoiled
After Franco joins the army, Bridget discovers she is pregnant. She borrows money from Massimo to pay for a secret abortion
When Italy joins the war, the shop is attacked by a mob shouting anti-Italian slogans
Massimo is arrested as an enemy alien and transported to Canada
Lucia and Hughie cement their friendship by becoming ginger-sister and brother
Massimo's father dies when the Arandora Star is sunk by torpedo. Franco is killed in battle
Hughie writes to Lucia to tell her he loves her. But Rosinella gets hold of the letter and tries to keep them apart
Luigi calls Lucia back to Italy. Bridget blames Rosinella for this and tells her about the abortion
Having changed her ways, Rosinella helps Hughie and Lucia elope together. She and Massimo are reunited in their love