Pagliacci (1948)

Director: Mario Costa

Based on Ruggero Leoncavallo's opera Pagliacci. The film recounts the tragedy of Canio, the lead clown (or pagliaccio in Italian) in a commedia dell'arte troupe, his wife Nedda, and her lover, Silvio. When Nedda spurns the advances of Tonio, another player in the troupe, he tells Canio about Nedda's betrayal. In a jealous rage Canio murders both Nedda and Silvio. The only actor in the cast who also sang his role was the celebrated Italian baritone, Tito Gobbi, but the film is largely very faithful to its source material, presenting the opera nearly complete.

Cast

Tito Gobbi

Tonio/Silvio

Gina Lollobrigida

Nedda

Onelia Fineschi

Nedda (singing voice)

Afro Poli

Canio, master of the troupe

Galliano Masini

Canio (singing voice)

Filippo Morucci

Beppe, troupe harlequin

Gino Sinimberghi

Beppe (singing voice)