Mario Costa's PAGLIACCI (1948) is a very satisfying, inspired film adaptation of Ruggero Leoncavallo's popular opera (1892) of the same title. Taking the action outdoors in the beautiful Italian countryside, Costa adds lots of local color to an already exuberant setting by having the townspeople dress in typical Calabrian costumes, thus intensifying the authenticity of the opera's historical locale. To my mind, given the technical difficulties of filming in post-war Italy, this film is a miracle of perfection. Mario Bava's cinematography is breathtaking, making expert use of light and shadow with great sensibility. The sound in the DVD currently available is the best one can have, although I believe that, with adequate means, both image and sound could be rendered even more pristine. My greatest enjoyment, however, derives from the actors: Tito Gobbi (Tonio, Silvio), Afro Poli (Canio) and Gina Lollobrigida (Nedda). Gobbi is wonderful in his dual role. Both Poli and Lollobrigida fill the screen with just the right charge of magnetism. Lollobrigida's Nedda is indeed a grateful surprise, given the fact that the actress was totally inexperienced then. In her second speaking part, Lollobrigida already shows all the qualities that would make her a national and international star in just a few years.
Review of Love of a Clown - Pagliacci
