CLASSIC ITALIAN CINEMA [A-D]
BACK TO GENRES [E-M] [N-Z] [ORDERING] [HOME]
A CIASCUNO IL SUO (1967) Also known as: "We Still Kill the Old Way." From director Elio Petri comes this social mystery/crime thriller set in 1965 Sicily. When two men are killed during a hunting party, a leftist professor (Gian Maria Volonte') decides to investigate the murders, only to find himself entangled in a spider's web of corrupt politicians, "mafiosi" killers, and sinister Church connections. Also starring Luigi Pistilli, Irene Papas, Gabriele Ferzetti, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
ADVENTURE OF SALVATORE ROSA (1940) Original title: "Un' Avventura di Salvator Rosa." Gino Cervi, Luisa Ferida, and Osvaldo Valenti star in this Italian swashbuckler which would have starred Errol Flynn or Douglas Fairbanks had it been made in Hollywood. Swordsman defends poor citizens of the Naples area oppressed by an evil viceroy. Filmed during Mussolini's fascist regime, this is 'Robin Hood, Neapolitan Style' and great fun. Directed by Alessandro Blasetti. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
AGE OF COSIMO DE MEDICI (1973) Original title: "L'Eta' di Cosimo de Medici." Extremely rare English-language version of this lost TV mini-series, which takes place in Florence during the Renaissance. A complex and masterful history tackling everything from the arts and architecture, to trade, commerce and the tax system. Starring Marcello Di Falco, Virgilio Gazzolo, Tom Felleghy, Mario Erpichini, Lincoln Tate, and others. Directed by Roberto Rossellini. Recorded on 3 tapes or DVD's, and so this counts as 3 titles. Dubbed in English. (B/B-).
AGGUATO SUL MARE (1956) In this Italian drama, a poor fisherman (played by Ettore Manni) is forced to work for a smuggling operation. Separated from his wife for many years, he at last returns home, and must battle an old nemesis who has taken a fondness towards her. Also stars Maria Frau, Nadia Gray, Gino Buzzanca, Paul Muller. Directed by Pino Mercanti. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).
AI MARGINI DELLA METROPOLI (1952) Before turning his directorial talents to such low-budget sex shockers as TEENAGE PROSTITUTION RACKET, Carlo Lizzani was firmly grounded as a master of the neo-realistic film. In this one, Massimo Girotti plays an attorney who must unearth evidence in favor of a criminal wrongfully convicted of murder. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
ALTRI TEMPI (1952) Also known as: "Times Gone By." This is director Alessandro Blasetti's tribute to the 19th century. Aldo Fabrizi plays a used bookseller who entices customers into reading tales of Victorian literature. Each story has a particular moral, which contrasts against the ways and habits of a changing world. An extremely lavish production also starring Gina Lollobrigida, Elisa Cegani, Vittorio De Sica, Arnoldo Foa', Marisa Merlini, Amedeo Nazzari, and others. Complete 120-minute print. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).
AMANTE SEGRETA, L' (1941) Starring Alida Valli, Fosco Giachetti, Vivi Gioi, Osvaldo Valenti, and others. Directed by Carmine Gallone. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
AMARTI E IL MIO DESTINO (1957) Rare film from director Ferdinando Baldi. Anna, daughter of the count Fabrizi, and Roberto have been, from their earliest years, in love with each other. Roberto is a talented musician, but Anna's father wishes her to marry one of Roberto's enemies. Roberto flees to Brazil, but comes back later to win his old love. Stars Narciso Parigi, Lyla Rocco, Maria Pia Casilia, Luigi Tosi, Silvio Bagolini, Franco Balducci, Cristina Pall, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
AMORE NON HO! PERO... PERO (1951) Italian comedy starring Gina Lollobrigida, Renato Rascel, Franca Marzi, Aroldo Tieri, Luigi Pavese, Kiki Urbani, Carlo Ninchi, Nyta Dover, Guglielmo Barnabo, Virgilio Riento, Adriana Danieli, and others. Directed by Giorgio Bianchi. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
ANGELI SENZA PARADISO (1970) Also known as: "Angels Without Paradise." Soapy Italian romance based on the life of composer Franz Schubert. Most notable for a starring role by actress Romina Power (daughter of Tyrone Power), one of the hottest starlets of her day, who didn't mind taking it all off on occasion. Also stars Al Bano, Agostaina Belli, Emma Baron, Caterina Boratto, and others. Directed by Ettore Maria Fizzarotti. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
ARTURO'S ISLAND (1962) Arturo is a teenage boy who lives alone on an island. His mother died when he was born, and his father is always away. From time to time, Arturo's father comes to see him, but only to soon leave him again. He seems not to appreciate his son at all, but, nevertheless, Arturo adores his father. One day, Arturo's father arrives with his second wife, Nunciata, a seventeen-year-old girl with whom Arturo soon falls in love. Directed by Damiano Damiani. Dubbed in English, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
ASSEDIO DELL'ALCAZAR, L' (1940) Translation: "Siege of the Alcazar." Only surviving print of this rare Italian war film, which depicts Spanish victory over the Bolshevists in Pre-Franco Spain. The film won an award at the 1940 Venice film festival. More fascist fun from the cellars of the Italian film industry. Starring Fosco Ghiachetti, Rafael Luis Calvo, Aldo Fiorelli, Carlo Tamberlani, and others. Directed by Augusto Genina. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B-/C).
ATTO DI ACCUSA (1950) Also known as: "The Accusation." Rare black-and-white thriller, which almost plays like an Alfred Hitchcock film. Massimo Ruska, a lawyer, returns from abroad to find his wife having an affair with another man. After killing the landlady of the apartment where his wife and her lover are staying, Ruska makes sure that the lover will become the main suspect. Meanwhile, he seeks a chance of getting back at his wife. Stars Marcello Mastroianni, Lea Padovani, Andrea Checchi, Karl Ludwig Diehl, and others. Directed by Giacomo Gentilomo. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
AVVOLTOI DELLA METROPOLI, GLI (1936) Also known as: "L'Anonima Roylott." Early giallo/poliziesco outing, about an unscrupulous chemical firm that takes advantage of certain employees, promising them profits which they fail to maintain. One day, two brothers are found murdered, and a lawyer comes under suspicion. Stars Giulio Donadio, Isa Poli, Romano Calo', Camillo Pilotto, Mino Doro, and others. Directed by Raffaello Matarazzo. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).
BANDIT, THE (1946) Original title: "Il Bandito." Nicely done film-noir crime from director Alberto Lattuada. Amedeo Nazzari plays a soldier who, returning from the war, finds that his sister has become a prostitute. After Nazzari kills the pimp, he's forced to go into hiding, and joins up with a criminal organization that pulls big heists. However, a woman (Anna Magnani) connected with the organization betrays them to the police, and a shootout takes place. Also stars Carlo Campanini, Mino Doro, Folco Lulli, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with English subtitles. (A-/B).
BARBER OF SEVILLE, THE (1946) Rare film version of the opera by Rossini. Starring Tito Gobbi, Ferrucio Tagliavini, Nelly Corradi, and others. Wine, music, and beautiful women highlight Renaissance settings. Mario Bava worked as a cinematographer on this black-and-white curiosity from director Mario Costa. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B).
BEATRICE CENCI (1956) At long last! We're pleased to announce that we now have an upgraded version of this impossible-to-find costume adventure/drama from director Riccardo Freda. Previous versions were rubbish, but this is in broadcast quality, from an original master obtained from a defunct licensing company in Italy. Now you can enjoy this film the way Freda intended. In Renaissance Italy, a girl plots to kill her tyrannical father, and is subsequently condemned to death. Starring Gino Cervi, Micheline Presle, Fausto Tozzi, Anthony Steffen, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. Upgrade!! (A/A-).
BELLA ADDORMENTATA, LA (1942) Also known as: "Sleeping Beauty." This costume drama follows the misadventures of a servant-girl (played by Luisa Ferida) who is seduced and abandoned by Don Vincenzo (Osvaldo Valenti). She then flees, and eventually falls for Salvatore (played by Amedeo Nazzari), who attempts to avenge her honor. Also stars Pina Piovani-Battiferri, Guido Celano, and others. Note: Ferida and Valenti were real-life lovers, who were both executed in 1945 for their extreme pro-Fascist activities. Directed by Luigi Chiarini. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).
BENGASI ANNO '42 (1942 & 1955) WWII thriller starring Amedeo Nazzari, Fosco Giachetti, Maria Von Tasnadi, Fedele Gentile, Carlo Tamberlani, Peter Trent, Ugo Sasso, and others. A widowed woman relives her harrowing war memories of the Italian defeat by the British at Bengasi. This film portrays the British in a most unfavorable light, as a bunch of drunken buffoons who rape and harass civilians. Prime slice of propaganda directed by Augusto Genina. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).
BLIND WOMAN OF SORRENTO (1934) Original title: "La Cieca di Sorrento." Costume drama from director Nunzio Malasomma. Beatrice has been blind since she was a girl, when her mother was murdered by a bandit. She seeks treatment for her blindness, but the doctor who's perform the operation is the son of the presumed murderer. Starring Dria Paola, Corrado Racca, Dina Di Luca, Anna Magnani (in her first film role), Mario Steni, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
BRIGANTE DI TACCA DEL LUPO, IL (1952) Also known as: "Fratelli D'Italia." Neorealistic war thriller from director Pietro Germi. In 19th century Sicily, a small force of soldiers fights in the hills against the bandits who are holding their country to ransom. Stars Amedeo Nazzari, Cosetta Greco, Saro Urzi', Vincenzo Musolino, Aldo Bufi Landi, Sergio Bergonzelli, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
BRIGANTI ITALIANI, I (1961) Sante Corbone (played by Ernest Borgnine) is a Neapolitan brigand in the service of King Ferdinand II. But the king forgets about him when Italy is united, ending the reign of the two Sicilies. Carbone wishes to enter into the service of the Piedmontese, but the nobles of the place prefer to avoid him. Costume adventure also starring Vittorio Gassman, Rossana Schiaffino, Philippe Leroy, and Carlo Giuffre. Directed by Mario Camerini. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
BUONANOTTE... AVVOCATO! (1955) Giorgio Bianchi directs this comedy starring Alberto Sordi, Vittorio Caprioli, Andrea Checchi, Giulietta Mansina, Tina Pica, Mara Berni, and others. Cinematography by Mario Bava. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
CABIRIA (1914) One of the first major peplums, this one set the standard in Italy for fifty years. During the Punic Wars in the third century B.C. the little girl Cabiria, and her nurse Croessa, are abducted during the confusion caused by an eruption of Mount Etna. Cabiria is sold in Carthage to be sacrificed in the temple of Moloch. Fulvio Axilla, a Roman spy, and his servant, Maciste, rescue her and she ends up in the care of Queen Sophonisba. Ten years later, after many wars and alliances, Carthage falls to the Romans and Cabiria returns home with Fulvio. Stars Italia Almirante-Manzini, Lidia Quaranta, Bartolomeo Pagano, and Luigi Chellini. Directed by Giovanni Pastrone. Silent with orchestra score. In English. (A-/B).
CANZONE DELL'AMORE (1930) This film is today remembered as being the first Italian sound film; otherwise it is eminently forgettable. Dria Paola plays Lucia, an aspiring singer, who, upon learning that her mother has died, returns home, only to find that her mother has left a baby boy behind. Lucia puts her plans on hold and tends to the child, until one day the father shows up claiming the right to take it away with him. Also starring Elio Steiner, Camillo Pilotto, Isa Pola, Mercedes Righelli, and others. Directed by Gennaro Righelli. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
CAPPELLO A TRE PUNTE (1934) Also known as: "The Three-Cornered Hat." Mario Camerini directs this costume comedy, an earlier version of his 1955 film "The Miller's Beautiful Wife." Enrico Viarisio plays a lustful governor of Naples who desires the wife of the local miller (played by Eduardo De Filippo). Also stars Leda Gloria, Peppino De Filippo, Dina Perbellini, Arturo Falcono, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
CAPPELLO DA PRETE, IL (1943) The Baron of Santafosca (Roldano Lupi) has lost most of his money due to gambling. To get out of his predicament, he in desperation kills a rich miser, and hides the body in a well. However, the miser's hat turns up as evidence against the baron, and the killer's own guilty conscience begins to destroy him. Also stars Gualtiero Isnenghi, Luigi Almirante, Carlo Lombardi, Loris Gizzi, and others. Directed by Ferdinando Maria Poggioli. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
CAPITAN TEMPESTA (1942) In 1570, the Turks lay siege to the Mediterranean city of Famagusta. In order to procure military help and supplies, Marcello Corner (Adriano Rimoldi), a young soldier, is sent on a secret mission to Venice. While he is gone, his fiancée (Carla Candiani) fights a joust with Moulai El Kader, the "Lion of Damascus" (Carlo Ninchi) and wins, sparing his life. When, due to an act of treachery, Corner is taken prisoner by the Turks, she finds that she must appeal to Kader for his freedom. However, the traitor Lachinsky has other plans for them. This costume adventure is based on a novel by Emilio Salgari. Also stars Erminio Spalla, Doris Duranti, and Rafael Rivelles. Directed by Corrado D'Errico. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
CARDINAL LAMBERTINI (1954) In 1739 Bologna is lorded over by the Duke of Montimar. This man is allied with the countess Isabella, who decides to give her daughter Maria to the duke in marriage. However, Maria has already promised her hand to Carlo, son of Cardinal Lambertini.. Stars Gino Cervi, Virna Lisi, Nadia Gray, Arnoldo Foa, Carlo Romano, Loris Gizzi, and others. Directed by Giorgio Pastina. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
CASANOVA FAREBBE COSI' (1942) Also known as: "After Casanova's Fashion." Don Agostino boasts of being irresistible to women, and so his friends make a bet, that he must stay one night in the house of Maria Grazia, beautiful wife of Don Ferdinand. Acting like he's being pursued, he manages to gain entrance into Grazia's house, but his friends don't plan on losing the bet. Nicely done comedy starring Eduardo De Filippo, Peppino De Filippo, Clelia Matania, Giorgio De Rege, and others. Directed by Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
CAVALLERIA (1936) Umberto Solaro loses Speranza, a noble but poor girl who has been forced to marry a rich Austrian army officer. Umberto becomes a riding instructor, but during a competition his horse dies and he decides to give up equitation and become an aviator. Starring Amedeo Nazzari, Elisa Cegani, Luigi Carini, Mario Ferrari, and others. Directed by Goffredo Alessandrini. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
CENERENTOLA (1948) Also known as: "Cinderella." Integral version of the opera by Rossini, this film contains some remarkable sets, music, and artistic direction. When Alidoro, the Magician, discovers the location of the destined bride of the Prince, Don Ramiro, he sends this information in a message to the palace by carrier pigeon, with a recommendation that the Prince change places with his valet, Dandini. Following this advice, the Prince meets Cenerentola, and there is an instant attraction between them. Starring Lori Randi, Gino Del Signore, Afro Poli, Vito De Taranto, and others. Directed by Fernando Cerchio. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
CHI E' PIU' FELICE DI ME? (1938) Also known as: "Who is Happier Than I?" Tito Schipa and Caterina Boratto star in this music-oriented film from director Guido Brignone. Also starring Franco Coop, Olinta Cristina, Maria Jacobini, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).
CIELO SULLA PALUDE (1949) Also known as: "Heaven over the Marshes." Augusto Genina directs this classic neo-realistic film which concerns the lives of peasants living in the marshlands south of Rome. A poor girl is harassed by the son of the man whose father she and her family are forced to work for. Eventually, these advances become the focal point of the tale, and she ends up being stabbed to death. Starring Ines Orsini, Assunta Radico, Mauro Matteucci, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
CLEAR SEAS (1949) Original title: "Marechiaro." Incredibly rare English-subtitled print of this lost film from director Giorgio Ferroni. Massimo Serato plays Luca, a mariner who returns to the seaside village of his youth to see his childhood love. He finds that she's been engaged to another man, but their old love sparks up again. This creates complications, especially when Susy, an unscrupulous and dangerous woman, tries to drive them apart. Her meddling eventually nets Luca into a murder charge, and he must clear himself in court. Also stars Silvana Pampanini, Nada Fiorelli, Agostino Salvietti, Enrico Luzzi, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with English subtitles. (A-/B).
COME LE FOGLIE (1934) Also known as: "Like the Leaves." High-society drama/comedy from director Mario Camerini, about a rich family put into financial ruin by the father's bad business ventures. Eventually, the son and daughter must try to earn a living, while the mother continues maintaining her high ways. Starring Mimi Aylmer, Nino Besozzi, Isa Miranda, Ernesto Sabbatini, Maria Jacobini, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
COMPAGNIA DELLA TEPPA, LA (1941) Also known as: "The Rabble Rousers." Costume comedy from the Italian fascist era. During the reign of Napoleon, a Milanese secret society engages in a series of daring escapades. Starring Adriano Rimoldi, Erminio Spalla, Corrado Racca, Carlo Duse, and others. Very scarce film. Directed by Corrado D'Errico. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
CONDOTTIERI, I (1937) Also known as: "Giovanni Delle Bande Nere." Rare costume epic, which follows the rise of Giovanni de Medici, leader of the famous band of mercenaries which fought to unite all Italy during the early years of the 16th century. Unparalleled battle scenes, superb sets, and some swordplay highlight this film from the Italian fascist era. Starring Luis Trenker, Loris Gizzi, Mario Ferrari, Laura Nucci, Umberto Sacripante, Nino Marchetti, and others. Directed by Luis Trenker, Giacomo Gentilomo, and Anton Giulio Majano. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
CONTE UGOLINO, IL (1949) Carlo Ninchi plays Count Ugolino of Ghirardesca, a wealthy and influential Italian nobleman. While he believes himself friend of Archbishop Ruggieri (Peter Trent), the latter devises a scheme by which the Count will be ruined. By dispatching a false message, Ruggieri succeeds in getting Ugolino accused of treachery by the Republic. Unable to clear himself of the charges, he and his sons are condemned to die of hunger. Carla Calo, Gianna Maria Canale, Luigi Pavese, and Ugo Sasso, also star in this early costume adventure from director Riccardo Freda. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
CONTESSA DI PARMA, LA (1937) During the years of fascist supremacy in Italy, the "white telephone" films became a popular staple of the Italian cinema. These films, most of them comedies, usually featured the impossibly well-to-do in a variety of light-hearted situations. This film casts Elisa Cegani as a fashion model, who earns the title "Countess of Parma" for her role as head of a Turinese fashion house. Also stars Antonio Centa, Ugo Ceseri, and others. Directed by Alessandro Blasetti. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).
CORRUZIONE, LA (1963) Jacques Perrin, Rossana Schiaffino, Alain Cuny, Isa Miranda, and Ennio Balbo, star in this black-and-white drama. A teenager who is considering becoming a priest falls in love and learns about the horrors of the world. Directed by Mauro Bolgnini. Dubbed in Italian, with Spanish subtitles. (B/B-).
CORTOCIRCUITO (1942) A writer of giallo books helps the police solve a baffling series of deaths linked to a medical clinic. This early giallo-type film contains heavy comedy elements. Starring Luigi Almirante, Enzo Biliotti, Lauro Gazzolo, Renato Cialente, and Guglielmo Barnabo'. Directed by Giacomo Gentilomo. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
CRIMEN (1960) Also known as: "And Suddenly It's Murder!" Six train passengers traveling from Italy to Monte Carlo become suspects in the mysterious death of an old woman. Early giallo-like film starring Vittorio Gassman, Alberto Sordi, Nino Manfredi, Dorian Gray, Sylva Koscina, Bernard Blier, Silvana Mangano, and others. Directed by Mario Camerini. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).
CRONACHE DI POVERI AMANTI (1954) In 1925, the young Florentine typographer Mario moves to via del Corno to be near his girlfriend Bianca. Here he becomes friends with Maciste, his landlord, and Ugo, anti-fascists both of them. When Campolmi is beaten by the fascists, Mario meets Milena, Campolmi's wife, at the hospital and falls in love with her, leaving Bianca. Starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anna-Maria Ferrero, Cosetta Greco, Antonella Lualdi, Giuliano Montaldo, Gabriele Tinti, and others. Directed by Carlo Lizzani. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A/A-).
DAMIGELLA DI BARD (1936)
DEATH OF A FRIEND (1959) Original title: "Morte di un Amico." Gianni Garko and Spiros Focas play two pimps hustling in the back-alleys of Rome, in this black and white crime drama from director Franco Rossi. Also starring Didi Perego, Angela Luce, Andrea Scotti, and others. Story by Pier Paolo Pasolini. Dubbed in Italian, with English subtitles. (A-/B).
DELFINI, I (1960) Also known as: "The Dauphins." High society drama starring Gerard Blain, Antonella Lualdi, Claudia Cardinale, Tomas Milian, Betsy Blair, Claudio Gora, Sergio Fantoni, Tina Lattanzi, Germana Paolieri, Giulio Tomei, and others. Directed by Francesco Maselli. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
DELITTO DI GIOVANNI EPISCOPO, IL (1947)
DIAVOLO IN CONVENTO (1950) Very rare Italian comedy. During WWII, a monastery agrees to provide shelter for displaced villagers. However, due to their fast living and sinful ways, the monastery is soon transformed into a grand hotel. This brings Father Angelo to his wit's end, until he devises a scheme for bringing the wayward sheep back into the fold. To this end, he enacts a series of bogus "miracles" in order to scare the villagers into piety. As a result, some very unexpected situations ensue. Stars Gilberto Govi, Mariella Lotti, Carlo Ninchi, Ave Ninchi, and others. Directed by Nunzio Malasomma. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
DIMENTICA IL MIO PASSATO (1956) Also known as: "Rio Guadalquivir." Rare melodrama from director Primo Zeglio. Consuela has done all to raise herself from a humble origin. However, she soon becomes involved with a young student, and falls in love with him. During an argument, however, the student wounds her with a shotgun, and she ends up in critical condition. The history of the love affair is then played out. Stars Valentina Cortese, Ettore Manni, Massimo Giroti, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
DOLCE INGANNI, I (1960) Also known as: "Sweet Deceptions." Moody Euro drama, which stars Catherine Spaak as a teenage girl who pursues an older man and becomes obsessed with him. Also starring Jean Sorel, Christian Marquand, Juanita Faust, Marilu' Tolo, and others. Directed by Alberto Lattuada. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (B/B-).
DON BOSCO (1935) Film biography has always been a popular genre in Italy. This fascist-era movie is a nicely-done story of Giovanni Bosco (1815-1888), who became the founder of the Salesian teaching order which ministered to homeless boys and which is still very much in operation today. Giampaolo Rosmino (from "Hercules") plays the titular character with warmth and conviction. Also stars Maria Staffi, Ferdinando Mayer, and others. Directed by Goffredo Alessandrini. Note: A widely-touted version available through Amazon.com is in Spanish only, but our print is dubbed in Italian, with English subtitles. Also includes trailer for the 1941 film "Caravaggio, il Pittore Maledetto." (A-/B).
DON CAMILLO (1952) Also known as: "The Little World of Don Camillo." French-Italian comedy which has had quite a following throughout the years, and which spawned a numerous series of sequels. The film tells the story of Don Camillo, a Roman Catholic priest in a small Italian parish. Life in the village changes forever when Peppone, the communist mayor, is elected. The two are then put one against the other. And what follows is a wacky list of situations. Stars Gino Cervi, Fernandel, Vera Talchi, Franco Interlenghi, Charles Vissiere, Carlo Duse, and others. Directed by Julien Duvivrier. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
DON CESARE DI BAZAN (1942) Slightly upgraded print of this super-rare swashbuckler from director Riccardo Freda. Still in fair quality, but with sharper images and better sound. Gino Cervi plays a Spanish swordsman betrayed by French nobleman (Enrico Glori). After faking his own death, he vows revenge and sets after his foe. Atmospheric black-and-white photography, dark castles, and more. Also stars Giovanni Grasso, Paola Stoppa, Anneliese Uhlig, Enzo Biliotti, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (C/C-).
DON LORENZO (1952) Obscure black-and-white musical starring Luciano Taioli, Franco Interlenghi, Rossana Podesta, Andrea Checchi, Arturo Bragaglia, Dante Maggio, Lea Padovani, Angela Maggio, Emma Baron, Carlo Ninchi, Luciana Vedovelli, and others. Cinematography by Anchise Brizzi. Directed by Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
DONNE E BRIGANTI (1951) Acclaimed director Mario Soldati directs this costume adventure based on the Fra Diavolo legend. Diavolo's bandits fight Napoleon's troops, and so King Ferdinand IV, the Neapolitan king, makes Fra Diavolo a Colonel. In the meantime the bandit also falls in love with Marietta, the king's illegitimate child. However, one of Diavolo's soldiers turns traitor, and attempts to get him locked up so that he can take his place. Amedeo Nazzari, Maria Mauban, Jean Chevrier, and Paolo Stoppa, star in this one. Dubbed in Italian, with English subs. (A-/B).
DOTTOR ANTONIO, IL (1937) Costume drama from director Enrico Guazzoni. The place is Italy; the year is 1848. Doctor Antonio comes to know a young Englishwoman, and falls in love with her. However, he takes part with the Republican rebels, and is put in prison. His fiancée risks her life to save him, and by corrupting one of the guards, manages to flee with Antonio. Starring Ennio Cerlesi, Maria Gambardelli, Lamberto Picasso, Mino Doro, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
DUE LACRIME (1954) Downbeat drama from director Giuseppe Vari. Alberto Farnese plays a man falsely condemned for murder. When he gets out of prison he's blind, and upon returning to his home he learns that his wife has died. He eventually falls in love with another woman, only to learn that his wife is not actually dead, but has eloped with Tony, a trafficker in narcotics. Also starring Irene Galter, Marisa Merlini, Aldo Silvani, Peter Trent, and others. Dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles. (A-/B).
DUE LETTERE ANONIME (1944)
BACK TO GENRES [E-M] [N-Z] [ORDERING] [HOME]