Il processo di Verona

This film belongs to Silvana Mangano. The actress who made her debut in "Bitter Rice" (Riso Amaro) and who made the screen sizzle with her sensuality, gives the performance of a lifetime as the daughter of Benito Mussolini and the wife of his foreign minister, Galeazzo Ciano, played by Frank Wolff. The movie is a factual representation of the events that led to Mussolini's arrest in 1943, something that saw Ciano play a major role within the hierarchy of the fascist party headed by Mussolini. Ciano's famous diaries were a major factor in deciding his fate following "Il processo di Verona" (The Verona Trial), where a number of former fascist gerarchs were tried for treason. History buffs will be familiar with the diaries which were published after the end of the second world war, providing intimate accounts of meetings with both Hitler and Mussolini.

Wolff delivers a solid performance as the count, but Mangano's Countess Edda Ciano is riveting. She is caught between father and husband, finally disillusioned with both, while displaying a range of emotions that do her credit as a serious actress. Director Carlo Lizzani does well to hold the viewer through the two hours, with creative camera work and a number of other devices (newsreels, and machine gun fire in some of the scene transitions). Special credit should go to the writers, Sergio Amidei and Ugo Pirro, for dialog that is convincing in expressing strong emotions.

In July 1943 The Fascist Grand Council voted by 19-8 to remove Mussolini from power. Thirteen of the nineteen managed to evade arrest and the remaining six were tried for treason the following January, most notable among whom was Mussolini's son-in law Count Ciano. Based upon diaries, private memoirs and various historical documents this film is a grim but gripping account of the trial with a particular focus on the arrest and imprisonment of Ciano and the ultimately futile efforts of his wife Edda to effect his release. Although made twenty years after the event there is a marvellous sense of 'period' here and the wonderfully stark cinematography of Leonida Barboni is made even more so in the trial scenes with the preponderance of dark suits and of course black-shirts! The final execution scene is devastating. Strong performances throughout too numerous to mention. Ciano is played by a 'dubbed' Frank Wolff who bears more than a passing resemblance to the character. Many at the time were critical of his being portrayed as too 'human'! Mussolini's second wife is played to great effect by Vivi Gioi although she too is 'dubbed'. Being produced by Dino di Laurentis it is no surprise to find his wife Silvana Mangano in the pivotal role of Mussolini's daughter Edda. Suffice to say she rises to the occasion and her electrifying performance won the first of her three Donatello awards and her second Nastro d'Argento. This absorbing film was made despite the efforts of the Mussolinii family to prevent it. Director Carlo Lizzani was to return to this subject ten years later with 'The Last Act of Mussolini' featuring Rod Steiger in the title role.