Chapter Eight

Here, we focus on one of Rossano's Italian films, Vulcano, where there seemed to be more going on behind the scenes then on the screen! This film is available on DVD with English subtitles. I loved it. The three lead actors, Anna Magnani, Geraldine Brooks and Rossano were great. It received mediocre reviews when it came out but, personally, anything with Anna Magnani is good. The child actor who played Nino was Enzo Staiola who did such a good job as the small boy in the classic Italian neorealism film, The Bicycle Thief.

Attached photo gives details of where I was able to find this film.

While Rossano chats about Vulcano, we take a stroll down the Spanish Steps toward an old cafe. Rossano's flat was to the right as you reached the top of these sweeping steps. At the top, the view across the rooftops of Rome is spectacular.

One of the reasons I wanted to feature Vulcano is because of all the drama happening off-screen; the simmering romance between Anna's partner, Rossellini, (filming on a neighbouring island) and Ingrid Bergman; her jealousy, rages and the fact that she almost killed Rossano! Yes, it's all here, folks. Some good anecdotes.

Photo shows Rossano with Anna Magnani in Vulcano. My thanks to Daniel Boutieller, TCD, Paris, for the photo.