Two legends of Italian comedy face off in a comic duel.
La Traviata sung by Sordi is unforgettable.
The two stars of this broad comedy face off against each other by creating fantastic characters. Alberto Sordi, always at his best when he plays not quite upright characters, shines in the role of a self-centred loafer. A bit sly, but ready to stand up for himself and his ambitions. Aldo Fabrizi plays the upright, sensible butcher, always complaining but with a soft spot for his daughter. The film is primarily constructed around the chemistry between the two leads, and it is a duel between champions, made possible by a wonderful script by Ettore Scola and Ruggero Maccari. The grand finale takes place in a theatre, where Sordi performs in La Traviata wearing a false beard, horrifying purists but convincing his father-in-law of his talent. Not quite yet a commedia all’italiana, but still a highly entertaining Italian comedy.
Rodolfo sponges off his father-in-law, a butcher, and spends his days getting singing lessons from a penniless music teacher. When his father-in-law gives him an ultimatum, the lazy artist is forced to demonstrate his talent by singing in La Traviata in the town’s theatre. Music fans are not impressed, but the family are convinced that he is destined for a stellar career.
Two legends of Italian comedy face off in a comic duel.
La Traviata sung by Sordi is unforgettable.
The two stars of this broad comedy face off against each other by creating fantastic characters. Alberto Sordi, always at his best when he plays not quite upright characters, shines in the role of a self-centred loafer. A bit sly, but ready to stand up for himself and his ambitions. Aldo Fabrizi plays the upright, sensible butcher, always complaining but with a soft spot for his daughter. The film is primarily constructed around the chemistry between the two leads, and it is a duel between champions, made possible by a wonderful script by Ettore Scola and Ruggero Maccari. The grand finale takes place in a theatre, where Sordi performs in La Traviata wearing a false beard, horrifying purists but convincing his father-in-law of his talent. Not quite yet a commedia all’italiana, but still a highly entertaining Italian comedy.
Rodolfo sponges off his father-in-law, a butcher, and spends his days getting singing lessons from a penniless music teacher. When his father-in-law gives him an ultimatum, the lazy artist is forced to demonstrate his talent by singing in La Traviata in the town’s theatre. Music fans are not impressed, but the family are convinced that he is destined for a stellar career.
