O Médico e o Charlatão

Nice movie , simple and straightforward.

A comedy is not too difficult , but Monicelli has certainly done much better film. The story has no real evolution, but this is the classic nice epilogue. the film provides some information about the uses , customs and beliefs of the time. These features , however, are always caricatures , and shown in a grotesque fashion . This more than accentuate the criticism of the society of the time reduces greatly , making the film a quiet comedy. The film will appreciate the skill of the actors , ( Vittorio De Sica and Marcello Mastroianni ) . The rest of the cast , as well as history, are fairly anonymous. 6/10

This is a light-hearted, funny and sweet comedy, finely balanced between farce and warm-hearted sentiments, entertaining though never silly or cheap. Do not expect a masterpiece, but a funny portrayal of the difficulties that the new doctor finds on arriving in a small town whose inhabitants, deeply rooted in tradition, are more easily reassured by potions and magical words than by medicine. As anyone can expect, watching Vittorio De Sica (in a well-rounded character who mixes cunning, charm and selfishness) and Mastroianni's opposing characters is a pleasure in itself. If you've enjoyed Ieri, Oggi e Domani or Peccato che sia una canaglia ("Too bad she's bad") you'll probably like Il medico e lo stregone.