1870 (1972)
A powerful Italian historical drama uniting Anna Magnani and Marcello Mastroianni in a story of rebellion, faith, and survival in Papal Rome.
1870 - Movie Information
- Original Title: ...Correva l'anno di grazia 1870
- Release Year: 1972
- Directed by: Alfredo Giannetti
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 7, 1972 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: 1970 (US), ...Correva l'anno di grazia 1870 (IT)
- Production Companies: Excelsior 151/2, Garden Cinematografica, RAI
- Production Countries: Italy
1870 - Plot
Rome, 1870. Opponents of the church power are being sent to prison. Some of the exhausted prisoners are asking for the mercy of Pope. Others, like Augusto Parenti, prefer to fight for their rights until the end. His wife, Teresa is a simple woman, who gets involved with the rebels.
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1870 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alfredo Giannetti
Main Cast
- Anna Magnani
- Marcello Mastroianni
- Mario Carotenuto
- Osvaldo Ruggeri
- Ermelinda De Felice
- Gastone Bartolucci
- Franco Balducci
- Luciano Bonanni
- Winni Riva
- Massimo Sarchielli
Writers
- Alfredo Giannetti
- Silvia D'Amico Bendicò
- Giuseppe Mangione
Producers
- Giovanni Bertolucci
- Silvia D'Amico Bendicò
1870 - FAQs
Who are the main actors in 1870?
The film stars two of Italian cinema's greatest icons: Anna Magnani as Teresa Parenti, a working-class woman drawn into the resistance, and Marcello Mastroianni as her husband Augusto, a defiant political prisoner. The supporting cast includes Mario Carotenuto, Osvaldo Ruggeri, and Massimo Sarchielli.
What is 1870 about?
Set in Rome during the pivotal year of Italian unification, 1870 follows Augusto Parenti, a rebel imprisoned for opposing Church authority, and his wife Teresa, who becomes entangled in the resistance movement. The film explores themes of political courage, faith, and personal sacrifice against the backdrop of a city on the brink of transformation.
Is 1870 based on a true story?
While 1870 features fictional characters, it is firmly rooted in real historical events — specifically the fall of Papal Rome in September 1870, when Italian forces breached the city walls and ended centuries of Church temporal power. The film uses this dramatic turning point to explore how ordinary Romans lived through the upheaval.
Who directed 1870 and who wrote the screenplay?
Alfredo Giannetti directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Silvia D'Amico Bendicò and Giuseppe Mangione. Giannetti was already well known as a screenwriter before stepping into the director's chair for this ambitious historical drama.
Who composed the music for 1870?
The score was composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone, one of the most celebrated film composers in cinema history. His music adds emotional depth and period atmosphere to the story, complementing the film's dramatic portrayal of Rome during a moment of profound political and social change.
Where can I watch 1870?
You can watch 1870 on Amazon Video, where it is available to buy or rent. Availability may vary depending on your region, so it's worth checking your local streaming options for the most up-to-date information.
What is the reunion of Magnani and Mastroianni significant?
Pairing Anna Magnani and Marcello Mastroianni was a major cinematic event. Both were towering figures of Italian neorealism and postwar cinema, yet they had rarely shared the screen together. Their chemistry as a married couple caught between survival and principle gives 1870 much of its emotional power and dramatic tension.
What are some movies similar to 1870?
If you enjoy 1870, you might also appreciate Rome, Open City (1945), Roberto Rossellini's neorealist masterpiece set during wartime resistance, 1900 (1976) by Bernardo Bertolucci, which similarly chronicles Italian political struggle across generations, and The Scarlet and the Black (1983), another drama centered on Church authority and moral courage in Rome.
More About 1870
Explore further details about this film on the following resources.