El lobo de la Sila

Silvana Mangano's breakthrough came in Giuseppe de Santis' iconic 'Riso Amaro' and although this film of Duilio Coletti was made in the same year it was not shown in North America until four years later. The alternative title of 'Lure of the Sila' is obviously designed to promote the 'lure' of its star who once again is able to show her earthy sensuality.

This is literally Silvana with a vengeance as Rosaria, who uses her fatal charms on both Rocco and his son Salvatore in order to avenge the death of her brother. Rocco treats his daughter Orsola like a skivvy and she too is merely biding her time as Rosaria's dead brother had also been her great love. Needless to say, her time will come.........

This piece is passionate and full-blooded 'Verismo' and one can easily imagine the roles of Rosaria, Rocco, Salvatore and Orsola being sung by soprano, baritone, tenor and mezzo.

Coletti, although not in the same league as de Santis, is an extremely capable director, probably best known to non-European viewers for 'Under Ten Flags'. He has drawn strong performances from his cast and especially impressive is Amadeo Nazzari in the meaty role of Rocco. I have never been entirely convinced by Jacques Sernas as an actor but he is excellent here as Salvatore and is well 'dubbed'. La Mangano is again 'dubbed' by Lydia Simoneschi.

Superlative cinematographer Aldo Tonti gives us a real sense of ' being there' whilst Enzo Masetti's score is suitably lush and Adriana Novelli's editing is razor sharp.

'Riso Amaro' had also put producer Dino de Laurentiis on the map and he was not only to marry La Mangano but would virtually control her career thereafter. An artiste who combined sensitivity and elegance with a sense of mystery, she remains one of Italy's finest.