Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Marcello Mastroianni | ... | Professor Sinigaglia | |
Renato Salvatori | ... | Raoul | |
Gabriella Giorgelli | ... | Adele | |
Folco Lulli | ... | Pautasso | |
Bernard Blier | ... | Martinetti | |
Raffaella Carrà | ... | Bianca | |
François Périer | ... | Maestro Di Meo | |
Vittorio Sanipoli | ... | Baudet | |
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Mario Pisu | ... | Manager |
Kenneth Kove | ... | Luigi | |
Annie Girardot | ... | Niobe | |
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Edda Ferronao | ... | Maria |
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Anna Di Silvio | ... | Gesummina |
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Roberto Diamanti | ||
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Elvira Tonelli | ... | Cesarina |
The story of exploited textile factory workers in Turin, Italy at the turn of the century and their beginnings of their fight for better working conditions. Professor Sinigaglia (Marcello Mastroianni) is sent by (presumably) the Socialists to help them organize their strike and give form to their struggle. Written by alfiehitchie
Along with the U.S. "Salt of the Earth" this is one of the few films from nonsocialist/communist countries to take a deep and sympathetic look at class struggle and the conditions that led to the formation and defence of labour unions. It's an emotionally excruciating film thanks to Mastroianni's greatest performances among so many great performances, and the superb screenwriting and direction.