Love & Anarchy (1973)

When a friend is murdered by the Facists, a melancholy farmer takes up residence in a Roman brothel as he and an anarchist prostitute plot to assassinate Mussolini.

Director:

Lina Wertmüller

Writer:

Lina Wertmüller

Stars:

Giancarlo Giannini, Mariangela Melato, Eros Pagni

4 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Giancarlo Giannini	...	Antonio Soffiantini 'Tunin'
Mariangela Melato	...	Salomè
Eros Pagni	...	Giacinto Spatoletti
Pina Cei	...	Madame Aïda
Elena Fiore	...	Donna Carmela
Giuliana Calandra
Isa Bellini
Isa Danieli	...	Prostitute
Enrica Bonaccorti	...	Prostitute
Anna Bonaiuto	...	Prostitute
Anita Branzanti	...	Prostitute
Maria Sciacca	...	Prostitute
Anna Melato	...	Prostitute
Gea Linchi	...	Prostitute
Anna Stivala	...	Prostitute

Storyline

Determined to continue where his friend left off, Tunin, a freckled peasant anarchist, arrives in Rome with the intention to assassinate Benito Mussolini. Under those circumstances, the resolute idealist will be welcomed in the town's first-rate brothel as the cousin of his contact, the devoted revolutionary, Salomè, who works there as a prostitute. However, things will soon get complicated, when Tunin who falls in love with one of the girls, the young Tripolina, will find himself on the verge of failure, torn between ideals and passion. Will the love-smitten patriot succeed in his cause?

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Plot Keywords:

prostitute | brothel | anarchist | italy | f rated | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Quotes

Madame Aïda: I've seen many end up on the sidewalk of love.
Tripolina: It doesn't matter.
Madame Aïda: Stupid idiot. Loser. You'll believe anything. Still believe in Santa Claus, eh? Isn't it enough at your age to be a prostitute in this whorehouse?

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Alternate Versions

For the initial American release, editor Fima Noveck created a prologue which featured a montage of photos of Mussolini, along with a crawl explaining his rise to power and the violent activities sanctioned in his name during his reign.

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Connections

References The Sheik (1921)

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Soundtracks

Canzone appassionata
Written by Nino Rota
Performed by Isa Danieli

User Reviews

Highly entertaining, witty, ...

Giannini is hilarious as a dim-witted hayseed anarchist, who, en route to assassinate Mussolini falls in love. An exuberant, vital, full throttle feast of a film, mostly set in a lusciously decadent Roman brothel, where Wertmuller, (who also wrote the very witty script) successfully directs the extraordinary (and excellently acted) characters through wild changes of mood, and juggles powerful politics, tender romance, horrible farce and tragedy with exceptional flair. Rotunno's photography is delicious; the unusually potent period atmosphere is splendidly captured by Enrico Job (Mr Wertmuller) and the music by Rota/Savina is perfect. Wertmuller at her most accessible.

Details

Country:

Italy France

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

22 February 1973 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Love & Anarchy

Filming Locations:

Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Euro International Film (EIA), Labrador Films

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1