Italian cinema and the challenges of democracy -- The film industry from fascism to the Cold War -- The transformation of the star system -- The public, film-going and the stars -- Massimo Girotti : proletarian Apollo -- Clara Calamai : the suspension of glamour -- Aldo Fabrizi : nostalgia and popular culture -- Anna Magnani : authenticity and the star persona -- Andrea Checchi : shadows of defeat -- Totò€ : jester of the Republic -- Silvana Mangano : beauty and stardom -- Amedeo Nazzari : the hero domesticated -- Silvana Pampanini : dream girl of the masses -- Raf Vallone : the physiognomy of fame -- The non-professional actor and low-definition stardom -- Co-productions and the international stardom.
Summary:
"Italian cinema gave rise to a number of the best-known films of the postwar years, from Rome Open City to Bicycle Thieves. Although some neorealist film-makers would have preferred to abolish stars altogether, the public adored them and producers needed their help in relaunching the national film industry. This book explores the many conflicts that arose in Italy between 1945 and 1953 over stars and stardom, offering intimate studies of the careers of both well-known and less familiar figures, shedding new light on the close relationship forged between cinema and society during a time of political transition and shifting national identities"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.