Il fidanzamento di Pulcinella (Pulcinella’s engagement) is a classic play for Neapolitan guarattelle – rarely performed nowadays. It is the first summarised story to be written about in the 19th century in relation to glove puppetry in Naples. This version – in which Pulcinella kills his fiancée’s sister – is recounted in 1857 in Francesco De Bourcard’s Usi e costumi di Napoli e contorni descritti e dipinti (The described and illustrated habits and customs of Naples and its vicinity).

Pulcinella is in love with Colombina, but her brother – Coviello – opposes their marriage. The two men fight by striking each other with a stick then with two long swords. Colombina laments her brother’s death but keeps on loving Pulcinella. But Pulcinella also kills Capural Fasulo (Corporal Bean) – a soldier who asked him to explain his murder. He is then arrested by two policemen, sentenced to death and hanged.