Palio (1932) DVD9

Here is a beautiful restoration of one of Alessandro Blasetti's earliest films -- and one of Italy's earliest soundfilms. It is a romantic melodrama set during the annual "palio" fiesta in the Tuscan region of Sienna. For such an early film, the sound appears to be very good, as are the performances quite natural and believable.

It seems that Zarre (Guido Celano), the man chosen to be the jockey for the Lupa contrada, and fiance' to Fiora (Leda Gloria), becomes enamored of a cafe' chanteuse. Bachicche, the jockey of a rival neighborhood, wants to get even with Zarre for a past offense and enlists the help of the chanteuse, Liliana (Laura Nucci).

Director: Alessandro Blasetti
Actors: Mario Brizzolari, Olga Capri, Guido Celano, Ugo Ceseri, Vasco Creti, Mara Dussia
Country: Italy