Amedeo Nazzari Movies
Italian leading man Amedeo Nazzari entered films in 1935, hitting his stride three years later as the title character in Luciano Serra, Pilot. At his peak, he made up to five films per year, few of which lost money. He gently chided his virile, romantic screen image as the self-absorbed movie star in Fellini's Nights of Cabiria (1957). Few of Nazzari's Italian-starring vehicles were widely distributed in the U.S., though he was a familiar character actor in such international productions as The Best of Enemies (1961) and The Valachi Papers (1972); he also occasionally functioned as a producer and screenwriter. Amedeo Nazzari was the father of actress Evalina Nazzari. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1938
Lancieri di Savola (Savoy Lancers) is a ponderous costume drama, elevated somewhat by the performances of stars Elisa Cegani and Amedeo Nazari. Cegani plays Countess Speranza, who has never gotten over the fact that her family forbade her to marry the love of her life, dashing Lancer Lieutenant Solaro (Nazari). Circumstance and coincidence throw the Countess and the lieutenant back together from time to time, but since she is now the wife of a baron, the best she can hope for is a furtive, clandestine relationship. After Solaro is killed in WWI, the Countess remains forever faithful to the memory of her lost love. Top-heavy with symbolism, Lancieri di Savoia seems to go on for years. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elisa Cegani, Silvana Jachino, (more)
- 1938
Il Conte di Brechard was adapted by director Mario Bonnard from the popular play by Gioacchino Forzano. It all begins in the days before the French Revolution, when the titular count (Amedeo Nazzari) expels his servant Perault (Ugo Ceseri) from his estate. But after the Reign of Terror, positions are reversed and Perault returns triumphantly as the Count's master. Revelling in his newfound authority, Perault orders his own daughter Maria (Louisa Ferida) to marry the Count. The plan is to have Maria denounce her new husband, giving Perault an excuse to arrest his former employer and assume total control of the estate. The ex-servant's plans are thwarted when Maria falls genuinely in love with the likable aristocrat. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Amedeo Nazzari, Luisa Ferida, (more)
- 1937
Based on stage comedy by Alberto Colatuoni, I Fratelli Castiglioni is the story of four brothers. A nasty, avaricious bunch, the brothers Castiglioni are thrilled when their uncle wins two million lire in the national lottery. Alas, dear Uncle dies before he can reveal the hiding place of the lucky lottery ticket. This sets off a frantic search, with all four brothers literally climbing over one another to locate the precious ticket. And when the rest of the family gets in on the act? Mama Mia! I Fratelli Castiglioni is at its best when it veers into black-comedy territory, as in the scene where the four brothers dig up Uncle's grave in hopes of rifling his pockets -- only to discover that someone has beaten them to it. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ugo Ceseri, Camillo Pilotto, (more)
