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The Film Industry History of Italy
The history of the Italian cinematography began right after
the Luminere brothers had discovered the medium. At that
time Pope Leo XIII was shown on the screen for a few seconds
while blessing the camera. The Italian film industry appeared
between 1903 and 1908, led by three main organizations - the
Roman Cines, the Ambrosio of Turin and Italy Film. In a
short period of time, these first organizations achieved a
worthy production quality. Soon after that they began
selling films at
home and abroad.
One of the first Italian film genres was the historical
film. The first film of this genre was shot in 1905 by
Filoteo Alberini and had the title “The Capture of Rome”.
Then there followed other historical films that depicted
such famous heroes as Messalina, Spartacus, Nero, Julius
Caesar and Cleopatra. Historical film “The Last Days of
Pompeii” directed by Arturo Ambrosio in 1908 got its glory
very quickly so that it was screened again in 1913 by Mario
Caserini. Besides, the film “Mark Antony and Cleopatra” was
screened in 1913 by Enrico Guazzoni.
The first film stars who shot in passionate film became actresses Lyda
Borelli and Francesca Bertini. Other film genres screened
social topics and were based on the literature. In 1916
there was shot the film “Cenere” (Ash) that was based on the
book by Grazia Deledda. After the World War I the sound was
introduced though it did not help Italian cinematography.
Because of the economic problems the sales of Italian films
fell. Some time later the Film industry recovered and the
new innovative films directed by Alessandro Blasetti, Mario
Camerini and Augusto Genina were shot.
Alessandro Blasetti directed “Sole” in 1928 opening his
career, following by directing the famous Italian comedian
Ettore Petrolini in his comic Nero. The next famous film
genre was called “White phones” as they were present in
scenes. The films of this genre depicted people from the
high society. A huge dose of formal morality was obligatory
in these films to show the culture of the epoch. Most part
of stars started their careers from such films. They are:
Vittorio De Sica, Alida Valli and others. During the Second
World War some important structures for Italian cinema were
created with Mussolini's approval. Everything necessary for
filmmaking was provided: technical services, theatres, and a
cinema school for students. At that time Vittorio Mussolini
created a national production company and organized the work
of the most gifted authors, directors and actors.
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