Cast
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Walter Chiari
as The Sicilian Hitchhiker (segment "L'autostop") / Car Driver (segment "Il sorpasso") / Pasquale Taddei (segment "La protesta") / Client of Night-clubs (segment "Lo strip")
Enrico Maria Salerno
as Castelli, the Successful Novelist (segment "la parolaccia")
Barbara Steele
as Barbara (segment "l'hobby") / Brugnoli's Wife (segment "la cambiale")
Raimondo Vianello
as Mr. Brugnoli (segment "la cambiale") / Giulio Errani, il commendatore mad about football (segment "Lo sport") / Paolo (segment "I consigli") / His Excellency Micozzi (segment "Le interviste")
Gaia Germani
as Carla (segment "l'hobby")
Umberto D'Orsi
as Ilario Baietti (segment "La parolaccia") / Friar Egisto (segment "Il pezzo unico") / The Milanese Businessman (segment "L'autostop")
Sandra Mondaini
as Paolo's Wife (segment "i consigli")
Franco Fabrizi
as L'impiegato insolente
Aroldo Tieri
as Mr. Bonfanti (segment "La cambiale") / Mario (segment "La protesta")
Ingrid Schoeller
as Mrs. Bonfanti (segment "La cambiale")
Lisa Gastoni
as Gulio's wife (segment "lo sport")
Margaret Lee
as Rosalie (segment "Il week-end")
Franco Franchi
as Thief #1 (segment 'Il week-end)
Ciccio Ingrassia
as Thief #2 (segment 'Il week-end)
Franca Valeri
as The Wife (segment "il pezzo antico")
Crew
Director
- Lucio Fulci
Producer
- Ferruccio Brusarosco
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Maniacs represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Lucio Fulci brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1964, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Maniacs took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 413 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1964, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: March 28, 1964
- Runtime: 1h 32m