The Private Lesson (1975)
A cheeky Italian sex comedy from 1975 where a young man's education takes a very unexpected and scandalous turn.
The Private Lesson - Movie Information
- Original Title: Lezioni private
- Release Year: 1975
- Directed by: Vittorio De Sisti
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 3, 1975 (Italy), January 1, 1978 (Spain - 18)
- Alternative Titles: The Private Lesson (US), Idiotika mathimata (GR), Lições Privadas (PT)
- Production Companies: Torino Roma Attivita Cinematografiche
- Production Countries: Italy
The Private Lesson - Plot
Alessandro has a thing or two to learn. Carroll Baker, in her role, is the perfect teacher.
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The Private Lesson - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Vittorio De Sisti
Main Cast
- Carroll Baker
- Rosalino Cellamare
- Leonora Fani
- Femi Benussi
- Carlo Giuffrè
- Leopoldo Trieste
- Renzo Montagnani
- Eugene Walter
- Luisa Maneri
- Giuseppina Quinn
Writers
- Vittorio De Sisti
- Alessandro Parenzo
Producers
- Enzo Doria
The Private Lesson - FAQs
What is The Private Lesson about?
The Private Lesson follows young Alessandro, who finds himself entangled with his alluring teacher Laura Formenti, played by Carroll Baker. What begins as a flirtatious dynamic quickly spirals into a game of blackmail and seduction, wrapped in the breezy, risqué style of 1970s Italian sex comedy.
Is The Private Lesson based on a true story?
No, The Private Lesson is not based on a true story. It's an original screenplay written by director Vittorio De Sisti and Alessandro Parenzo, crafted as a lighthearted erotic comedy in the tradition of Italian commedia sexy all'italiana that was hugely popular throughout the 1970s.
Does The Private Lesson involve blackmail?
Yes, blackmail is a central element of the story. The film uses it as a comic and dramatic device, creating tension between the characters as Alessandro and the people around him navigate a web of secrets, desires, and leverage. It's played for laughs rather than genuine menace.
Where can you watch The Private Lesson?
You can find streaming and viewing options for The Private Lesson on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country, so checking JustWatch is the easiest way to see where it's currently streaming or available to rent.
Who are the main actors in The Private Lesson?
Carroll Baker leads the cast as the seductive teacher Laura Formenti, opposite Rosalino Cellamare as the young Alessandro Corsini. The supporting cast includes Leonora Fani, Femi Benussi, Carlo Giuffrè, Leopoldo Trieste, and Renzo Montagnani, all familiar faces from Italian genre cinema of the era.
What role did Carroll Baker play in this film?
Carroll Baker plays Laura Formenti, the private teacher at the heart of the story. It's a role that leans into her glamorous screen presence, casting her as a confident, seductive woman who holds considerable power over the impressionable Alessandro. Baker was a prominent figure in Italian genre films during this period.
Who directed The Private Lesson?
The film was directed by Vittorio De Sisti, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Alessandro Parenzo. De Sisti was active in Italian genre cinema during the 1970s, and The Private Lesson is among his better-known works, benefiting from a charismatic lead performance by Carroll Baker.
What are some movies similar to The Private Lesson?
If you enjoy The Private Lesson, you might also like Malicious (1973), another Italian erotic comedy with a similar provocative tone, or Country Cuzzins (1972) and Revenge of the Cheerleaders (1976) for comparable 1970s genre fare. Teacher's Pet (1958) offers a lighter, classic Hollywood take on the teacher-student dynamic.
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