Genre: Documentary

Language: Italian with English Subtitles

Director: Daniele Cipri & Franco Maresco

Cast: Franco Franchi and Ciccio Ingrassia, Lando Buzzanca, Pino Caruso

Released: 2004

Duration: 98 Minutes

Rating: M contains offensive language and nudity

Distribution: Palace Films

A thoroughly entertaining documentary about the beloved Sicilian duo Franco Franchi and Ciccio Ingrassia, two of the most famous Sicilian actors and comics in the history of Italian film making, who starred together in over 100 movies.

Franco and Ciccio were once street artists in Palermo, but became increasingly popular, first in theatre, then on television and later in film.  Between 1964 and 1968 they played the lead roles in no less than 38 films including ‘War, Italian style’ with an aged Buster Keaton.  Later they worked with artistic directors such as Fellini and Pasolini, but didn’t shun more risky excursions, as can be seen by Franco’s role in an hilarious parody of ‘Last tango in Paris’.

Directors Cipri and Maresco present a loving ode to the duo.  The documentary parts of the film are based on real events, with particular focus on their early years in Palermo.  The film takes us through the stages of their careers, up until the time of their major success in film and television.  This is the tale of the end of a golden era, as witnessed by the directors, artists and technicians who survived them.

“An absorbing documentary.  Richly researched ‘How we ruined the Italian movie business’ divulges an untold mercenary side of Italian cinema in its heyday.”  Nick Vivarelli, Variety