...Correva l'anno di grazia 1870

Anna Magnani is magnificent as a common Roman mother, whose husband is in prison for subversive activities and is in a bad shape, actually dying throughout the film, while Anna Magnani hopelessly tries to save him and even secures the possibility of a papal pardon for him, which he refuses, preferring to die in prison. Part of her woes is their young son Mario about 10, for whom she will do anything to provide him with some education, even trusting him with the care of the church authorities. He is actually the central part of the film and the chief attraction, as his play-acting will keep you fettered. Marcello Mastroianni as the husband in prison makes an over-convincing performance as usual, whiled this sad story of a becoming widow and her susceptible son gradually is absorbed by the great political drama of the unification of Italy in 1870, the final act of which was the incorporation of the Papal States, that is the Vatican, which stubbornly resisted the reform. The film is interesting and captivating, especially if you know anything about Italian history, and although you don't see Garibaldi, the Pope, Verdi or the other main protagonists of the political drama, they are constantly spoken about. This was Anna Magnani's last performance on the screen and one of her very best.

The scenario is the city of Rome and the title translates to It Was the Lord's Year 1870. Italy's unification under King Vittorio Emanuele of the House of Savoy was on its way to completion but several obstacles remained. One was the incorporation of the Papal States, at the time a temporal kingdom including Rome and comprising much of Central Italy. The integrity of the Papal States was guaranteed by France, and Rome was under military rule. Garibaldi's forces tried to take Rome in 1867 in coordination with an uprising in the city but the attempt failed.

In July 1870 the Franco-Prussian War began and Emperor Napoleon III withdrew most of the French forces from Rome. King Vittorio Emanuele tried to negotiate the entry of the Italian army into Rome but was rebuffed by Pope Pius IX. Local patriots organized an insurrection, this time supported by advancing Italian troops and the annexation of the Papal states was de facto achieved. It became de jure after a plebiscite in October.

The main characters are Augusto Parenti, a local activist (Marcello Mastroianni), his partner Anna (Anna Magnani) and their son Mario. As the movie begins Augusto languishes in jail refusing to apply for a papal pardon while Anna lives in precarious conditions trying to provide for Mario and insure his education. Anna Magnani's range as an actress was not unlimited but when given a congenial role she could play it like nobody else. The charismatic Mastroianni does an excellent job too although he is assigned some overdramatic lines near the end.

I liked this unpretentious movie. At times it has the look and feel of a history lesson but this adds to its charm. Recreation of time and place by set designer Osvaldo Desideri is flawless, enhanced by the cinematography of Leonida Barboni. Part the filming was done in historic buildings such as Castel Sant'Angelo, used by the Papal States as a prison. Director Alfredo Gianetti moves the action fluidly and music is provided by the illustrious Ennio Morricone.

Sadly this is Magnani's last feature film (she appeared briefly and for the last time in Fellini's Roma in 1972). She made an enduring mark in world cinema.