...and the Wild Wild Women

It is fitting that a film set in a womans prison should be based upon a novel by a woman, Isa Mari. Not only that but it has been adapted by a woman who just happens to be one of the greatest and most respected screenwriters in the history of film namely Suso Cecchi D'Amico, whose credits are phenomenal. Feminists might lament the absence of a female director but then one cannot have everything! The earlier films of Renato Castellani were considered 'worthy' by critics but by the time he made this they had changed their tune. It is without doubt a powerful and compelling film with uniformly strong performances. The two leads are Anna Magnani and Giulietta Masina whose characters and performances represent both sides of the coin. The psychological changes that they both undergo during the course of the film are wonderfully depicted. This was a miraculous decade for Masina and Magnani had already taken America by storm in 'Rose Tattoo' and 'The Wild Side'. To call Magnani a force of Nature would be something of an understatement. Her performance here as Egle, the seasoned inmate, is electrifying and is a perfect contrast to the naivety of Masina's Lina. Mention must also be made of Cristina Gaioni as Marietta. The scene where she receives a letter from an unknown admirer outside the prison is unbearably touching. Alberto Sordi has a small, uncredited role as a low-life. Even by his standards this was a busy year for him with no less than ten films released notably 'The Great War' and the 'The Widower'. Previous reviewers have quite rightly expressed frustration at the lack of a sub-titled version. It is indeed a lamentable oversight but for those who appreciate great acting it is still worth giving this excellent film a go.