Mino Doro Movies

This routine drama set in post-war Italy is the first feature by novice director Sergio Capogna and is based on a best-selling novel by Vasco Pratolini. The story centers around one main protagonist, a young man (Massimo Tonna) who in addition to growing into adulthood, has to come to grips with the post-war conditions in the country. Not overly long on morality at first, he opts for seducing an older widow with the sole intent of stealing as much from her as he can. He follows his plan all the way to the end, with tragic consequences that he did not foresee -- and a lesson learned, too late. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide

It's hardly a coincidence that George Raft made so many films outside the U.S. when he began to have income-tax problems in the early 1950s. The Man From Cairo casts Raft as an American vacationing in Algiers. In short order, he becomes involved with a group of mercenaries who are searching for a fortune in gold that was lost somewhere in the desert during WW II. Gianna Maria Canale co-stars as a sexy nightclub chanteuse who, like everyone else in the film, isn't all she seems to be. This Italian-financed melodrama was released in Great Britain as Crime Squad. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In this drama, set in Italy during 1889, a young doctor meets and falls for the daughter of a renowned medical professor. The professor does not approve of the affair and suggests that the young medic leave Rome. The physician then goes to Obetello, and there he discovers a radical, but successful treatment for malaria. Trouble ensues when he spurns the advances of an amorous neighbor. For revenge she begins blaming the current malaria epidemic upon him. As a result he is tried and sentenced to four years in prison for using unorthodox methods. His medical license is also revoked. In jail, he is promoted to orderly. He promptly inoculates himself against the dread disease using his own treatment. He soon proves his innocence and is acquitted of all crimes. He then returns to Rome to marry his true love. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Filmed in 1946 as Il Bandido, The Bandit came to the U.S. in 1949 on the strength of the worldwide popularity of star Anna Magnani. The title character is Ernesto (Amadeo Nazzari), who turns to crime after suffering shell shock during WW II. Magnani plays Ernesto's faithful girlfriend Lydia. Their relationship is as foredoomed as Ernesto himself, who comes to grief through an extreme act of self-sacrifice. The Bandit was the third directorial effort of Alberto Lattuada. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The old Sardou play Marcella was warmed up and modernized by director Guido Brignone. The title character, played by Caterina Boretto, will do anything to save her brother from being sent to prison. This includes co-habiting with the nobleman responsible for her brother's incarceration. Hoping to put her shame behind her, Marcella lands a job as a servant in an aristocratic household. Her idyllic romance with the son of her employer is shattered when her old nemesis, the amorous nobleman, makes a return appearance. Surprisingly, he offers to clear Marcella's name, permitting her a happy ending at long last. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Allegri Masnadieri (Jolly Pirates) is a dizzy mistaken-identity farce, dressed up as a lavish costume epic. While escaping from an undesirable suitor, the heroine and her two servants are captured by pirates. Fortunately, one of the servants is mistaken for the infamous buccaneer chieftain "The Black Feather." Taking advantage of the situation, the heroine and her true love commandeer the pirate vessel as a means of escape. Complicating matters is the fact that the pirates are holding hostage the nephew of the very man that the girl didn't want to marry. Before the mess is straightened out, the fickle heroine has fallen in love with the nephew! There are times in Allegri Masnadieri that the mercurial leading lady is more frightening than the pirates. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide