Mario Mattoli Movies

In keeping with the film's title, most of the characters in Le Diciotenni are 18 years old. The story takes place in a girl's finishing school, populated entirely by knockout beauties. One of the girls (Marisa Allasio) faces expulsion because her father has been known to consort with criminals. Even so, the film maintains a lighthearted tone throughout, especially when it deals with affairs of the heart. Le Dicioetteni is a remake of a successful early-1940s film of the same name, which in turn was adapted from a popular stage comedy. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In this Italian bedroom farce, the lusty "Queen of the Nile" is determined to be with her lover, Marc Antony, before he heads off to war. Unfortunately, she has been assigned a new guard. She made love to her previous guard and he ended up executed as had several guards before him. Her new guard does not know this. To see Marc, she has a slave girl impersonate her while she sneaks out. Upon her surreptitious return, she sees the guard making love to her double. The other guards are surprised to see the fellow alive the next day. He proves a useful fellow by saving the queen from a killer. He then saves the queen's imposter from the dungeon. Though the queen tries to seduce him, the guard finds life more appealing than love and demures. Instead he and the slave escape together where they make happy love for many years. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

A stellar cast distinguishes the so-so seriocomedy Cinque Poveri in Automobile (Five Paupers in an Automobile). The story is set in motion by a winning raffle ticket, jointly held by four people. The first prize is an automobile, which the foursome intend to drive for a day of pleasure before selling the vehicle for cash. Complicating matters is a fifth party, a tramp who inveigles a piece of the action. Aldo Fabrizi heads the cast as a man who is inherently unfond of automobiles; Eduardo de Felippo plays a bricklayer who wants to show off the car to settle an old score; de Felippo's sister Titina portrays an elderly has-been actress who hopes to use the car to keep up a false front; and Walter Chiari is a busboy whose girlfriend won't have anything to do with him unless he wins the car. The screenplay was co-written by star Eduardo de Felippo and neorealism pioneer Cesare Zavattini, among others. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Heart and Soul is actually an Italian variation on Goodbye, Mr. Chips. Vittorio de Sica plays a provincial schoolmaster, much beloved by his past and present students. We follow De Sica as he stands steadfastly at his post throughout the years, during which time he is aided and abetted by his adoring assistant teacher Maria Mercader. Emphasis is given to the war years, when De Sica is suspended for his political beliefs. Though Vittorio De Sica is frequently credited as the director of Heart and Soul, that responsibility was in the hands of Duilio Coletti. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Adamo ed Eva could just as well have been titled Everyman and Everywoman. Told in episodic fashion, the film illustrates how the downfall of "Adams" throughout history have been orchestrated, either intentionally or otherwise, by the "Eves" of the world. Macario, a popular Italian comedian, portrays the film's many male protagonists, while the women are all played by Isa Barzizza. In the course of the film, director Mario Mattoli takes as many opportunities as possible to spoof then-current movie genres. Handling the productions reins of Adamo ed Eva is none other than Dino de Laurentiis. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The Lady is Fickle is another in a brief series of movie vehicles for internationally renowned opera star Ferrucio Tagliavini. The star plays Ferrucio Landini, a provincial schoolmaster who aspires to become an opera singer. He is helped in this endeavor by his pal Christopher (Carlo Campanini), the chauffeur for an operatic impresario Carlo Micheluzzi. Ferrucio's singing career almost ends before it begins when he "misplaces" his infuriated girlfriend (Fioretta Dolfi), who is neither the demure nor forgiving type. Some distance removed from a classic, The Lady is Fickle is nonetheless an adequate star vehicle. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Il Fiacre N. 13 is based on the novel of the same name by Xavier Montepin. The title translates as Cab No. 13, and the two-part story ("Il Castigo" and "Delitto") concerns the various amorous occupants of that cab. Several of the leading actors essay multiple roles to detail the intrigues arising from the many furtive glances, stolen kisses, and forbidden assignations. The film didn't do too well when first released in Italy but had better luck in South America. A French-language version of Il Fiacre N. 13 was lensed simultaneously, with some of the same cast members. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi