Chapter Ten

Before exploring Rossano's international career, I wanted to highlight the censorship that existed in the Hollywood movie industry at this time, the 1950s. Here we get an understanding of Rossano's frustration with what he could or couldn't do or say. Not just his frustration, but also of many European directors. (Europe were far more liberal where sex and love were concerned.) When you read this chapter, you will be shaking your head in disbelief. 

While we're chatting about this, we stroll through the beautiful Borghese Gardens. Any visit to Rome must include the Borghese Gardens where the majority of residents will be found strolling around over a sunny weekend. Metro stations Spagna and Flaminio are right outside the gardens and numerous busses run through it. There are museums, art galleries, beautiful walks and the zoo is also situated here.

I refer to this scene, from We the Living, in the chapter about censorship.

Rossano tells us about the crazy rules imposed in Hollywood in respect of how filmmakers can depict love and sex. The scene above was filmed in 1942. Rossano and Alida are in a tiny bed, partly undressed. This was permitted in European cinema. In 1950s Hollywood, this scene would have been cut because a) they are not married b) they are partly undressed c) it is clear the purpose of their sleeping together was to have sex.

You'll notice in Hollywood films, in the 50s, that even a married couple are not shown in bed together. Many scenes show separate beds with a small table between them. Hilarious. 

Thank you to Duncan Scott Productions for allowing me to use this image.