I saw this film 30 years or more at a university screening. It's probably never been released on videotape and may never be on DVD. I remember it as an affecting drama of a relationship/affair between an Italian girl and an afro-American GI (Kitzmiller). Both characters are sympathetic, with the Italian girl eventual drawn into prostitution by the difficult conditions of a receding World War II. Yet it is those conditions, with the Americans now an occuppying force in Italy, that bring the two together in a way probably impossible but for war. This film could be, I suppose, "neo-realist," and would be nice to "revisit" again to confirm my initial good impression of it.
7 Reviews
It's all in the family...
planktonrules24 March 2014
"Without Pity" is an unusual film because it's really a family affair. Not only did the director, Alberto Lattuada direct his wife, Carla Del Poggio, in the leading role, but the film's writer, Federico Fellini, and one of the supporting actresses, Giulietta Masina, were also married! This is very unusual to say the least.
This film stars John Kitzmiller as an American soldier who falls in love with an Italian. This hit close to home, as Kitzmiller (famous for his role in "Dr. No") was an American soldier who stayed in Italy at the end of the war because he fell for and married an Italian woman. In the case of this film, Jerry (Kitzmiller) is nearly killed when the film begins. However, Angela (Del Poggio) takes pity on him and helps to save his life. Later, they are reunited and they begin dating and their relationship is quite touching. However, he also feels a real sense of compassion for her because without his help, she's destined for a life of poverty, prostitution and desperation. But when Jerry gets arrested, Algela's life seems on the downward spiral. What's next? See this film for yourself.
It is interesting that Giulietta Masina played as prostitute in this film, as she later played one in her famous film "Nights of Cabiria". Whether she made a habit of playing these sorts of roles, I have no idea.
I noticed that some refer to this as a Neo-realist film. This isn't exactly the case. While like a Neo-realist film it is filmed in a natural setting outside of the studio (because they'd been mostly destroyed during the war), the actors were professional actors--having already appeared in other films. So, it's sort of a Modified Neo- realist film--a hybrid of traditional and post-war styles.
So, after all this, is it worth your time? Yes. The film is quite good and very touching. However, if you want a feel good film or are depressed, do not watch the film. Despite nice performances, an engaging script and nice direction, it sure is a downer.
This film stars John Kitzmiller as an American soldier who falls in love with an Italian. This hit close to home, as Kitzmiller (famous for his role in "Dr. No") was an American soldier who stayed in Italy at the end of the war because he fell for and married an Italian woman. In the case of this film, Jerry (Kitzmiller) is nearly killed when the film begins. However, Angela (Del Poggio) takes pity on him and helps to save his life. Later, they are reunited and they begin dating and their relationship is quite touching. However, he also feels a real sense of compassion for her because without his help, she's destined for a life of poverty, prostitution and desperation. But when Jerry gets arrested, Algela's life seems on the downward spiral. What's next? See this film for yourself.
It is interesting that Giulietta Masina played as prostitute in this film, as she later played one in her famous film "Nights of Cabiria". Whether she made a habit of playing these sorts of roles, I have no idea.
I noticed that some refer to this as a Neo-realist film. This isn't exactly the case. While like a Neo-realist film it is filmed in a natural setting outside of the studio (because they'd been mostly destroyed during the war), the actors were professional actors--having already appeared in other films. So, it's sort of a Modified Neo- realist film--a hybrid of traditional and post-war styles.
So, after all this, is it worth your time? Yes. The film is quite good and very touching. However, if you want a feel good film or are depressed, do not watch the film. Despite nice performances, an engaging script and nice direction, it sure is a downer.
No Way Out
wilvram16 August 2017
A sombre account of a black G.I. attempting to desert in the aftermath of the Italian campaign and his involvement with a local girl, his recapture and second escape, while she has been coerced into prostitution by a gang of traffickers in goods and people, and their attempts to escape together once united.
This only really came to life for me when the doomed couple were on the screen. John Kitzmiller does not come over as an experienced actor, yet this has the effect of making his scenes all the more poignant. Carla Del Poggio is good as his would-be lover. The evils it highlights are with us still very much today. The assertion by another reviewer that the film was banned in the UK is incorrect, along with the implication that the different backgrounds of the leading characters could be a cause of such a ban. In fact it was passed in May 1950 with an 'A' certificate, after two or three minutes of cuts, giving it a running time of ninety-one minutes, which I surmise is the version on the current R2 DVD.
This only really came to life for me when the doomed couple were on the screen. John Kitzmiller does not come over as an experienced actor, yet this has the effect of making his scenes all the more poignant. Carla Del Poggio is good as his would-be lover. The evils it highlights are with us still very much today. The assertion by another reviewer that the film was banned in the UK is incorrect, along with the implication that the different backgrounds of the leading characters could be a cause of such a ban. In fact it was passed in May 1950 with an 'A' certificate, after two or three minutes of cuts, giving it a running time of ninety-one minutes, which I surmise is the version on the current R2 DVD.
Life is Not a A Circus
boblipton17 March 2014
If this movie is at all well remembered or occasionally revived, it is not because of the director or stars. It is because one of its writers and assistant directors was Federico Fellini. Given his later success and directorial vehicles, it is sometimes forgotten that he rose to prominence as a writer of Italian neo-realism movies.
These movies were acclaimed for their efforts to show real people with real problems. In large part they were a response to much of the production facilities in Italy being destroyed in the war and money being in very short supply for film production after the war. If the only setting you have for your movie is the ruined street or the impoverished countryside, you can't ignore that reality in the script.
Director Alberto Lattuada, who had more of a career than promoting Fellini to co-director on VARIETY LIGHTS, directs very competently. Thee story might have played in Italy in 1948 as the story of a woman reduced to prostitution and her American GI lover, but the production people decided to make her lover Black, for shock value in the American market. Carla del Poggia as the woman overwhelmed by events, is excellent when contrasted with the cynicism everyone else in Italy seems to show. That gives this movie an upbeat, neo-realist message: things may be bad, but good people can find triumph in tragedy.
These movies were acclaimed for their efforts to show real people with real problems. In large part they were a response to much of the production facilities in Italy being destroyed in the war and money being in very short supply for film production after the war. If the only setting you have for your movie is the ruined street or the impoverished countryside, you can't ignore that reality in the script.
Director Alberto Lattuada, who had more of a career than promoting Fellini to co-director on VARIETY LIGHTS, directs very competently. Thee story might have played in Italy in 1948 as the story of a woman reduced to prostitution and her American GI lover, but the production people decided to make her lover Black, for shock value in the American market. Carla del Poggia as the woman overwhelmed by events, is excellent when contrasted with the cynicism everyone else in Italy seems to show. That gives this movie an upbeat, neo-realist message: things may be bad, but good people can find triumph in tragedy.
Finding Pity.
morrison-dylan-fan21 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Despite having heard about him for years,I have never seen a film involving auteur film maker Federico Fellini.Reading a terrific review on IMDb's European Cinema board,I discovered that I had recently picked up a title co-written by Fellini,which led to me getting ready to take my first glimpse at Fellini's work.
The plot-
Post-war Italy.
Leaving her job, Angela Borghi decides to go and track down her brother Carlo. Travelling on a train to the last city that Carlo lived in, Borghi gets caught in the middle of a gunfight,which leads to American solider Jerry Jackson getting wounded.Finding Jackson dying on the floor,Borghi takes Pity on Jackson and stops the train and gets him to a hospital.
Entering the city with Jackson,Borghi finds out that Carlo worked for local crime lord Pier Luigi.Meeting Luigi,Borghi's is horrified to find out that Luigi has killed Carlo.Being in complete control of the city,Luigi arranges for army supplies to be sold on the black market,in order for him to continue fulfilling the vices of the war- torn residence of the city. Getting Jackson sent to jail after learning that he has fallen in love for Borghi,Luigi decides to make Borghi work in his brothel,where Borghi begins to think that no one will ever show pity on her.
View on the film:
Working as a co-writer,Fellini gives a rough sketch to his future themes,from the central focus on women under extreme conditions, to Borghi and Jackson going on a date which allows Fellini to pay an early visit to the fun fare.Taking an unflinching look at the "casual" racism of the period,the screenplay by co-writer/(along with Fellini/Ettore Maria Margadonna & Tullio Pinelli) director Alberto Lattuada bravely take on the subject in a frank manner, (which led to the film being banded in the US and UK) as Borghi and Jackson fight against being segregated till the tragic end.Keeping Borghi & Jackson's romance bubbling away,the writers thread risqué Pre-Code-style melodrama with outstanding Film Noir,with Borghi being surrounded by crisp,non-restrained one liners in the brothel,and Luigi doing everything to burn the hope that the lovers hold,and place them in a vice grip of Film Noir darkness.
Filmed on the bombed streets of Italy,director Lattuada & cinematographer Aldo Tonti cast a Neo-Realist eye over the destruction,by casting deep,rich shadows and looming shots over Borghi's and Jackson's romance,which leads to the decaying building being given a poetic quality.Along with the Neo-Realist hues,Lattuada also strikes the film with a superb Film Noir and Pre- Code edge,as the light from Borghi's life disappears in Luigi's stylishly low-lit brothel,and Jackson gets locked away in a tough,gritty segregated prison.
Being the first black actor to win at the Cannes Film Fest,appear in the first Bond movie and be involved in the liberation of Italy (where he lived for the rest of his life) John Kitzmiller (who tragically died from cirrhosis of the liver at age 51 on February 23, 1965) gives an incredibly powerful performance as Jackson.Smoothly switching between speaking Italian and English,Kitzmiller allows Jackson's love for Borghi to sink in in a superbly subtle manner,as Kitzmiller crosses Jackson's tenderness for Borghi with the war-torn fury of a Film Noir outsider.Joined by a perky Giulietta Masina, (aka: Fellini's wife) Carla Del Poggio (who was married to Lattuada for 60 years) gives a stunning performance as Borghi,thanks to Poggio reflecting Borghi's fragility in the war trodden landscape,and also wrapping a simmering passion over Borghi's love for Jackson,as they find themselves in a town without pity.
The plot-
Post-war Italy.
Leaving her job, Angela Borghi decides to go and track down her brother Carlo. Travelling on a train to the last city that Carlo lived in, Borghi gets caught in the middle of a gunfight,which leads to American solider Jerry Jackson getting wounded.Finding Jackson dying on the floor,Borghi takes Pity on Jackson and stops the train and gets him to a hospital.
Entering the city with Jackson,Borghi finds out that Carlo worked for local crime lord Pier Luigi.Meeting Luigi,Borghi's is horrified to find out that Luigi has killed Carlo.Being in complete control of the city,Luigi arranges for army supplies to be sold on the black market,in order for him to continue fulfilling the vices of the war- torn residence of the city. Getting Jackson sent to jail after learning that he has fallen in love for Borghi,Luigi decides to make Borghi work in his brothel,where Borghi begins to think that no one will ever show pity on her.
View on the film:
Working as a co-writer,Fellini gives a rough sketch to his future themes,from the central focus on women under extreme conditions, to Borghi and Jackson going on a date which allows Fellini to pay an early visit to the fun fare.Taking an unflinching look at the "casual" racism of the period,the screenplay by co-writer/(along with Fellini/Ettore Maria Margadonna & Tullio Pinelli) director Alberto Lattuada bravely take on the subject in a frank manner, (which led to the film being banded in the US and UK) as Borghi and Jackson fight against being segregated till the tragic end.Keeping Borghi & Jackson's romance bubbling away,the writers thread risqué Pre-Code-style melodrama with outstanding Film Noir,with Borghi being surrounded by crisp,non-restrained one liners in the brothel,and Luigi doing everything to burn the hope that the lovers hold,and place them in a vice grip of Film Noir darkness.
Filmed on the bombed streets of Italy,director Lattuada & cinematographer Aldo Tonti cast a Neo-Realist eye over the destruction,by casting deep,rich shadows and looming shots over Borghi's and Jackson's romance,which leads to the decaying building being given a poetic quality.Along with the Neo-Realist hues,Lattuada also strikes the film with a superb Film Noir and Pre- Code edge,as the light from Borghi's life disappears in Luigi's stylishly low-lit brothel,and Jackson gets locked away in a tough,gritty segregated prison.
Being the first black actor to win at the Cannes Film Fest,appear in the first Bond movie and be involved in the liberation of Italy (where he lived for the rest of his life) John Kitzmiller (who tragically died from cirrhosis of the liver at age 51 on February 23, 1965) gives an incredibly powerful performance as Jackson.Smoothly switching between speaking Italian and English,Kitzmiller allows Jackson's love for Borghi to sink in in a superbly subtle manner,as Kitzmiller crosses Jackson's tenderness for Borghi with the war-torn fury of a Film Noir outsider.Joined by a perky Giulietta Masina, (aka: Fellini's wife) Carla Del Poggio (who was married to Lattuada for 60 years) gives a stunning performance as Borghi,thanks to Poggio reflecting Borghi's fragility in the war trodden landscape,and also wrapping a simmering passion over Borghi's love for Jackson,as they find themselves in a town without pity.
MCannady1@Verizon.net - United States
mcannady113 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this film for the first time last night. I recalled seeing Giulietta Massina in La Strada a few years ago and knew it would be worth watching, for this was an outstanding film with notable actors and a stunning performance by Giulietta Massina.
Without Pity is touching and well-filmed against realistic backdrops. The acting is quite pleasing, and one wishes the girl and Jerry's character to escape together in the end. Beyond that, I would have wished for them a Utopian environment where they could marry.
We know that Carla's character had a failed romance earlier. She could not go home, she says. She had had a baby who lived only 12 days.
Her good friend in the camp (played by Giulietta) escaped by boat and would marry her sweetheart.
Jerry realizes that she is not like some of the women in the camp. She explains this to him and reveals that she was captured while searching for her brother.
I like the slow build-up of their romance and Jerry's feeling that he wanted to be near her though she did not love him. Initially, she had helped save his life by discovering he needed a doctor for his wounds and stopping the train. When they meet again, they are both happy just being together and later at the amusement park.
Though she does not respond at the time, we see her veering toward romance in his direction. Besides being attractive he is kind and good. Not asking for anything for himself, he only wants what is best for her and wishes to help find her brother. He mentions some people from the evil world and says that he is glad that she is not like that.
No spoiler intended here when I say that a happy future was not in store for them. We see Jerry deciding on the ultimate departure when he realizes his love is mortally stricken by bullets.
I give the movie an 9 out of 10. Though perhaps it is not realistic, I wished for a happier denouement of the film. However, it is well worth our time.
Without Pity is touching and well-filmed against realistic backdrops. The acting is quite pleasing, and one wishes the girl and Jerry's character to escape together in the end. Beyond that, I would have wished for them a Utopian environment where they could marry.
We know that Carla's character had a failed romance earlier. She could not go home, she says. She had had a baby who lived only 12 days.
Her good friend in the camp (played by Giulietta) escaped by boat and would marry her sweetheart.
Jerry realizes that she is not like some of the women in the camp. She explains this to him and reveals that she was captured while searching for her brother.
I like the slow build-up of their romance and Jerry's feeling that he wanted to be near her though she did not love him. Initially, she had helped save his life by discovering he needed a doctor for his wounds and stopping the train. When they meet again, they are both happy just being together and later at the amusement park.
Though she does not respond at the time, we see her veering toward romance in his direction. Besides being attractive he is kind and good. Not asking for anything for himself, he only wants what is best for her and wishes to help find her brother. He mentions some people from the evil world and says that he is glad that she is not like that.
No spoiler intended here when I say that a happy future was not in store for them. We see Jerry deciding on the ultimate departure when he realizes his love is mortally stricken by bullets.
I give the movie an 9 out of 10. Though perhaps it is not realistic, I wished for a happier denouement of the film. However, it is well worth our time.
Romance, race, and hardship in post-war Italy
bobbie-1623 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Without Pity is an Italian neo-realist movie based on harsh aspects of life in Italy at the end of World War II: poverty, exploitation of women, the power of gangsters, the black market in goods "diverted" from ships and US bases, the indifferent brutality of MPs, and racism in the U. S. military. At the center of the story is the relationship of compassion and love between a black GI (Jerry/John Kitzmiller) and an Italian woman who is being forced into prostitution (Angela/Carla del Poggio). It is set in and near Livorno, and Lattuada effectively uses the location with its port, train lines, sea pines, and desolate coastal roads-a beautiful place disfigured by war and the presence of U. S. bases and endless truck traffic. (Possible spoiler: For film buffs: check out how Dino Risi, directing Il Sorpasso, returned to a key landscape of Without Pity....)
Three inconsistent elements give the movie a strange structure of feeling: the cautious and delicate treatment of the romantic relationship, a melodramatic plot and tone, and Lattuada's characteristic distance and coldness towards his characters. What a contrast between Lattuada's coldness and De Sica's warmth and sentimentality when the two great directors confront the hardships of the era! Distance is shown toward all the characters in Without Pity, but especially Jerry, who is constructed as doubly "other" -American and Black. His pidgin Italian makes his thoughts and motivations seem opaque and hard to express. Meanwhile, Giulietta Masina steals the show in the supporting role of Marcella, anticipating her brilliant work in Nights of Cabiria and lighting up the screen in every one of her scenes. Her performance is so vivid and lively, I wish Lattuada had cast her as Angela.
Not everyone will like this movie, but if you have any interest in Italian film in the post-war period or the portrayal of race in cinema, it is worth a look.
Not everyone will like this movie, but if you have any interest in Italian film in the post-war period or the portrayal of race in cinema, it is worth a look.
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