High Time (1950)
A charming Italian comedy where a broken town clock ignites a hilarious war between priests, communists, and politicians.
High Time - Movie Information
- Original Title: Vogliamoci bene!
- Release Year: 1950
- Directed by: Paolo William Tamburella
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 12, 1950 (Italy)
- Production Companies: Alfa Cinematografica
- Production Countries: Italy
High Time - Plot
The historic clock of a small town needs to be repaired but there is no money in the town coffers to pay for it. Don Paolo (Peppino Spadaro), the Priest, raises the money by lottery and thinks the surplus should go to the poor. The Communists and Socialists object because they are afraid the priest will get the credit and they claim it as “the people’s money.” The democratic mayor (Arturo Brogaglia) can think of no solution other than organizing committees and sub-committees. Finally, Rocchetti (Paola Stoppi), the town mechanic who has no answers for town problems and hates the clergy and politicians alike, comes forward and repairs the clock for the sheer joy of work.
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High Time - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paolo William Tamburella
Main Cast
- Nando Bruno
- Lauro Gazzolo
- Patrizia Mangano
- Leda Gloria
- Paolo Stoppa
- Peppino Spadaro
- Arturo Bragaglia
- Attilio Dottesio
- Marga Cella
- Aristide Garbini
Writers
- Paolo William Tamburella
High Time - FAQs
What is High Time (1950) about?
High Time follows the comic chaos that erupts in a small Italian town when its historic clock needs repairing. A priest raises funds by lottery, but communists, socialists, and a hapless mayor all squabble over the surplus money — until the town mechanic steps in and simply fixes the clock for the love of work.
Who are the main actors in High Time?
The film features a lively ensemble cast including Paolo Stoppa as the mechanic Rocchetti, Peppino Spadaro as the priest Don Paolo, Nando Bruno as Parboni, Lauro Gazzolo as Guerrieri, Leda Gloria as Rosa, and Arturo Bragaglia as the bumbling mayor.
Who directed High Time (1950)?
High Time was directed by Paolo William Tamburella, who also wrote the screenplay. The film is an early example of Italian postwar comedy, blending gentle satire of political factions with warm small-town humor.
What political themes does High Time satirize?
The film takes gentle but pointed aim at postwar Italian politics — particularly the rivalry between the Catholic Church and left-wing parties. Communists and socialists clash with a priest over who deserves credit for public funds, while an ineffectual democratic mayor drowns everything in committees.
Where can you watch High Time (1950)?
You can check all available viewing options for High Time on JustWatch, which lists streaming, rental, and purchase platforms available in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country.
What makes Rocchetti a memorable character in High Time?
Rocchetti, played by Paolo Stoppa, stands out as the film’s moral heart. Unlike the squabbling politicians and clergy, he has no interest in credit or ideology — he simply loves his craft. His decision to repair the clock for the sheer joy of work gives the film its warm, humanist resolution.
What genre is High Time (1950)?
High Time is an Italian comedy. It blends light-hearted farce with social satire, poking fun at postwar Italian political life while celebrating the simple dignity of honest work — a tone typical of the best Italian comedies of the early 1950s.
What are some films similar to High Time?
If you enjoyed High Time, you might also like Totòtruffa ’62, The Marquis of Grillo, Serafino, and Complexes — all Italian comedies with a similar flair for satirizing everyday social and political life with warmth and wit.
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