Cast
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Silvana Mangano
as Teresa (segment "Teresa")
Sophia Loren
as Sofia (segment Pizza on Credit)
Eduardo De Filippo
as Don Ersilio Miccio (segment "Il professore")
Paolo Stoppa
as Don Peppino, the widower (segment Pizza on Credit)
Erno Crisa
as Don Nicola (segment "Teresa")
Totò
as Don Saverio Petrillo (segment "Il guappo")
Lianella Carell
as Carolina Petrillo (segment "Il guappo")
Giacomo Furia
as Rosario, Sofia's husband (segment Pizza on Credit)
Tina Pica
as Old woman (segment "Il professore")
Alberto Farnese
as Alfredo, Sofia's lover (segment Pizza on a Credit)
Tecla Scarano
as Don Peppino's friend (segment Pizza on a Credit)
Pasquale Cennamo
as Don Carmine Savarone (segment "Il guappo")
Agostino Salvietti
as Gennaro Esposito (segment "Il guappo")
Pasquale Tartaro
as Cafiero (segment Pizza on Credit)
Teresa De Vita
as La madre (segment "Funeralino")
Crew
Director
- Vittorio De Sica
Producer
- Carlo Ponti
- Dino De Laurentiis
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Gold of Naples examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Vittorio De Sica 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1954, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Gold of Naples took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 131 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 183 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1954, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Gold of Naples shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Leopard, which focuses more on action than character development, The Gold of Naples subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Sono solo fantasmi and The Mayor of Rione Sanità explore similar territory, The Gold of Naples stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 3, 1954
- Runtime: 2h 11m
