PANNE D’AUTO
F.: Giorgino Ricci; Int.: Francesca Bertini (Kitty), Alberto Collo, Emilio Ghione; Prod.: Celio-Film; 35mm. L. Or.: 320m. L.: 269 M. D.: 13′ A 18 F/S. Col
Film Notes
The film is a sentimental comedy: two men compete for the protagonist Kitty (Francesca Bertini): Lieutenant Pietro (Emilio Ghione) and the younger Alberto (Collo). (…) Ghione’s character represents a military stereotype: a man all of a piece who conducts human relation- ships, even amorous, with scant charm. To court a woman by means of speed – the moral of the film – is counterproductive, while the rival’s simulation of a failure bears its fruits. Ghione plays a true carÂicature; he is dressed in uniform with kepi, moustaches, monocle, swagger-stick and boots; when he drives in his automobile he uses another uniform, consisting of goggles, beret and overcoat. His charÂacter is assertively heavy and out of place, and his thin and slender figure makes him seem alien and disagreeable, above all when con- fronted by the more charming figure of Collo. His acting is involving and easy and stands out from the work of the other actors; he works hard to remain in the role, attracts attention through clearly being a comic among lovers. Negroni’s direction uses big visuals – he is almost a landscapist – but is deliberately impersonal; the film is tinted in warm colours, particularly for the exteriors.
Denis Liotti