Margaret of Cortona (1950)

A Tuscan peasant girl in the 13th century overcomes sexual harassment, and the skepticism of her fellow citizens, as she saves plague victims, works miracles, and eventually becomes a saint.

Director:

Mario Bonnard

Writers:

Mario Bonnard, Cesare Lodovici (as Cesare Ludovici)

Stars:

Maria Frau, Isa Pola, Galeazzo Benti

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Maria Frau	...	Margherita
Isa Pola	...	Lucia, la matrigna
Galeazzo Benti	...	Arsenio del Monte
Aldo Nicodemi	...	Marco
Mario Pisu	...	Rinaldo Degli Uberti
Giovanni Grasso	...	Tancredi, padre di Margherita
Lorenza Mari	...	Francesca degli Uberti
Virginia Balestrieri	...	Druba (as Virginia Balistrieri)
Carlo Tamberlani	...	Vescovo
Mino Doro	...	Capitano del popolo
Raimondo Van Riel	...	messer Dal Monte (as Edmondo Van Riel)
Fulvio Battistini	...	Zufolo
Riccardo Billi	...	Menestrello
Domenico Serra
Giovanna Galletti	...	Madre del bambino ammalato

Storyline

A Tuscan peasant girl in the 13th century overcomes sexual harassment, and the skepticism of her fellow citizens, as she saves plague victims, works miracles, and eventually becomes a saint.

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Genres:

Drama

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User Reviews

Sanctity overcomes hatreds.

This film is about the life and miracles of (Saint) Margaret of Cortona, a peasant girl in 13th century Tuscany. Through pureness of spirit she overcame her enemies, especially her stepmother's lover who made attempts to seduce her, and the townspeople who rejected her abilities to work wonders. Arsenio, her fiancé and the only true love of her life died a murder victim, leaving poor Margaret alone and disconsolate. Later she helped victims of the plague and contracted it herself. Actress Maria Fraü gives an excellent portrayal of this noble woman, and the period background is carefully wrought. Isa Pola plays her sexually-weak mother-in-law and seething villainess. Director Mario Bonnard imparted true dignity to the subject matter. The photography of Leonida Barboni is a plus.

Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

22 February 1950 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Margaret of Cortona

Company Credits

Production Co:

Scalera Film, Secolo Film

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1