Fame Amid the Ruins: Italian Film Stardom in the Age of Neorealism

Description

Italian cinema gave rise to a number of the best-known films of the postwar years, from Rome Open City to Bicycle Thieves. Although some neorealist film-makers would have preferred to abolish stars altogether, the public adored them and producers needed their help in relaunching the national film industry. This book explores the many conflicts that arose in Italy between 1945 and 1953 over stars and stardom, offering intimate studies of the careers of both well-known and less familiar figures, shedding new light on the close relationship forged between cinema and society during a time of political transition and shifting national identities. Contents Illlustrations Acknowledgements Introduction Part I — Italian Cinema and Society, 1945–52 Chapter 1 — Postwar Cinema and the Challenges of Democracy Chapter 2 — The Film Industry from Fascism to the Cold War Chapter 3 — The Transformation of the Star System Chapter 4 — The Public, Film-Going and the Stars Part II — Stardom, Anti-Fascism and Neorealizm Chapter 5 — Massimo Girotti: Proletarian Apollo Chapter 6 — Clara Calamai: The Suspension of Glamour Chapter 7 — Aldo Fabrizi: Nostalgia and Popular Culture Chapter 8 — Anna Magnani: Authenticity and the Star Persona Chapter 9 — Andrea Checchi: Shadows of Defeat Part III — Popular Idols for New Times Chapter 10 — Totò: Jester of the Republic Chapter 11 — Silvana Mangano: Beauty and Stardom Chapter 12 — Amedeo Nazzari: The Hero Domesticated Chapter 13 — Silvana Pampanini: Dream Girl of the Masses Chapter 14 — Raf Vallone: The Physiognomy of Fame Part IV — Reconfigurations of Stardom Chapter 15 — The Non-professional Actor and Low-Definition Stardom Chapter 16 — Co-productions and International Stardom Conclusion Bibliography Index