The Passionate Thief (1960)
"Risate di gioia" (original title)

On New Year's Eve, an insecure, struggling actress (Anna Magnani) has nothing to do. When a colleague invites her to a New Year's party, she jumps at the opportunity. Accidentally she runs ... See full summary »

Director:

Mario Monicelli

Writers:

Suso Cecchi D'Amico, Agenore Incrocci,

Stars:

Anna Magnani, Totò, Ben Gazzara

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anna Magnani	...	Gioia 'Tortorella' Fabbricotti
Totò	...	Umberto 'Infortunio' Pennazzuto
Ben Gazzara	...	Lello
Fred Clark	...	L'americano
Edy Vessel	...	La ragazza
Gina Rovere	...	Mimì
Toni Ucci	...	L'amico di Milena
Kurt Polter
Mac Ronay	...	Il guidatore della metropolitana
Alberto De Amicis
Gianni Bonagura
Rik Van Nutter
Dori Dorika	...	Milena
Peppino De Martino
Marcella Rovena

Storyline

On New Year's Eve, an insecure, struggling actress (Anna Magnani) has nothing to do. When a colleague invites her to a New Year's party, she jumps at the opportunity. Accidentally she runs into an old acting acquaintance (Toto), who is helping a professional pickpocket (Ben Gazzara) steal from people during the hustle-bustle of New Year's Eve festivities. During the course of the evening, they have numerous crazy, humorous adventures all over Rome at different parties, restaurants, and even the Trevi fountain. Magnani's character (Tortorella) falls for Gazzara's character (Lello) without knowing what he's up to, while Toto tries to placate them both.

---

Plot Keywords:

party | new year's eve | trevi fountain | actress | new year's eve party | 

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

---

Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

21 October 1960 (Italy)

Also Known As:

The Passionate Thief

Company Credits

Production Co:

Titanus

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Trivia

Gioia's character surname, Fabbricotti, comes from a famous Tuscan family, which owned a huge villa in Livorno (presently, it hosts the Municipal Library).

---

Soundtracks

"Geppina Gepi"
(uncredited)
Written by Francesco Saverio Mangieri
Performed by Anna Magnani and Totò

User Reviews

Amazing Comedy

This film is probably the best showcase of the comedic capacities of acting genius Anna Magnani. Here she's paired up with Italian actor Toto', who's considered the most representative Italian comedian of all times. The chemistry between the two is the source of a splendid chain of events that allow the two actors to explore a multitude of highs and lows...almost like in a carnival. Monicelli's intricate story line is a rarity in the world of comedies. Intelligent, entertaining and hilarious, the film contains the only example (on camera) of what Anna Magnani and Toto' would do in Rome during the 1930's: "Avanspettacolo". The two sing on a small stage at one of Rome's fashionable parties: all done with immense presence and class; the result is a magnificent theatrical moment between improvisation and highly refined performing skills. Definitely a must for those who love quality comedies.