Elsa Merlini Movies
- 1955
Gli Ultimi Cinque Minuti (The Last Five Minutes) was adapted from the popular Italian stage play by Aldo De Benedetti. Hollywood's Linda Darnell heads the cast as Renata, who sublets an apartment in Rome. Unfortunately, Carlo Reani (Vittorio de Sica) also has a legal claim on the apartment. The two tenants solve the dilemma by getting married, with the understanding that Renata can continue pursuing any man she wants. For a while Renata dallies with Dino Moriani (Rosanno Brazzi), but her wifely insticts eventually get the better of her. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Linda Darnell, Vittorio De Sica, (more)
- 1951
This episodic Italian comedy follows the misadventures of housemaid Maria (Elsa Merlini). Her various employers include a salesman (Aldo Fabrizi) who values peace and quiet, but never gets it, and a vainglorious actor (Vittorio de Sica) with woman trouble. Through it all, Maria survives with a little help from her friends, including best pal Ermelinda, played by the future star of Stromboli and Juliet of the Spirits, Giulette Masina. Among the screenwriters for this film was Masina's husband Federico Fellini. Cameriera Bella, Presenza Offresi marked the return to the screen of Elsa Merlini, one of the most popular personalities of the prewar Italian cinema. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elsa Merlini, Vittorio De Sica, (more)
- 1937
Thirty Seconds of Love is the English-language title for this romantic trifle. The plot is as "naughty" as the title, with heroine Grazia (Elsa Merlini) racing from one brief amorous assignation to another. Nothing of a questionable nature is shown on-screen, but the dialogue has more innuendoes than an episode of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. Among Grazia's swains are handsome young Nino Besozzi and comic-relief dentist Enrico Viarisio. Trenta Secondi d'Amore was released in the U.S. the same week as another Mario Bonnard-directed effort L'Amore Che Canta. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elsa Merlini, Nino Besozzi, (more)
- 1937
Love and Money is the English-language title of this 1936 effort from the incredibly prolific Italian filmmaker Guido Brignone. Adapted from a stage fantasy by Luigi and Ivo Perilli, the film is set in 4th-century Florence. Heroine Ginerva (Elsa Merlini) is sold into marriage by her father, who hopes to exchange his daughter for a title and property. It isn't long before true love enters Ginerva's life, scotching her father's plans. Through faith in each other and the Almighty, hero and heroine prevail, while the villains are foiled by their own avarice and superstitions. Dinero ed Amore was released in Italy the same week as director Brignone's Loyalty of Love. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elsa Merlini, Tina Lattanzi, (more)
- 1936
Prolific actor/director Mario Bonnard had another winner on his hands with L'Alberio di Adamo (Adam's Tree). Despite its title, the film is not Biblical in nature -- rather, "Adam's Tree" is the name bestowed upon a small tree in a small Italian town, under which two young lovers were once discovered commiserating romantically. Since that time, the tree has become a rendezvous for every would-be Adam and Eve in the vicinity; thus, when handsome young Baldi is seen driving the beautiful widow Matilde in the direction of the tree, everyone misunderstands the circumstances. As the rumors catch fire and burn out of control, the person who suffers most is the respectable Dr. Lombardi, in whose automobile Baldi and Matilde were driving. There's a happy ending when Dr. Lombardi's "notoriety" makes him world famous -- and, for the first time in his life, a desirable soul-mate for many a gorgeous damsel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elsa Merlini
