Not mentioned in present filmographies and studies, this short film is, based on current knowledge, the only “non-fiction” work by the Genoese director…
Scrittori e poeti anglossani a Roma is also one of Pietro Germi’s earliest works. After graduating in acting from the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in 1938, Germi gained prominence in 1939 as a screenwriter and assistant director for Alessandro Blasetti in Retroscena. He made his directorial debut in 1945 with Il testimone (The Testimony), and the following year he played a small role (as a refugee) in Arturo Gemmiti’s Montecassino…
This documentary aims to pay tribute to the Allied forces, both English and American, who liberated Rome. Germi’s participation inMontecassino, which occurred around the same time, may have influenced this project. Alternatively, it could be seen as an expression of gratitude towards the Allies, celebrating the historical and cultural bond that had united English and American intellectuals with the Eternal City since the 18th century. More practically, it is likely that the Allies commissioned the documentary from a group of young filmmakers seeking work. Supporting this theory is the fact that in June 1947, an English version of the film, about 100 metres longer than the original, was authorised by censors (censor certificate no. 2543 dated 06/27/1947), titled English and American Artists in Rome.

Maria Assunta Pimpinelli