The Passionate Thief

Cecchi d’Amico collaborated with comedy legends Age & Scarpelli to adapt stories by Alberto Moravia in this tale of a washed-up actress (Anna Magnani) encountering her similarly down-and-out colleague (Totò). Taking place during a single New Year’s Eve, Cecchi d’Amico’s talent for structure comes to the fore, helping ensure the whirlwind farce doesn’t dissipate through its own centrifugal momentum. Magnani, who began her cabaret career alongside Totò, makes a triumphant return to her comedic roots without sacrificing her legendary intensity – notably when sizing up the erotic possibilities of a young-enough-to-be-her-son Ben Gazzara.

35mm print courtesy of Cinecittà Luce.

Presented in partnership with the Italian Cultural Institute.