Angelina (1947)
A fiery Italian neorealist drama powered by Anna Magnani's unforgettable performance as an accidental working-class hero.
Angelina - Movie Information
- Original Title: L'onorevole Angelina
- Release Year: 1947
- Directed by: Luigi Zampa
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 12, 1947 (Italy - T)
- Production Companies: Ora Film, Lux Film
- Production Countries: Italy
Angelina - Plot
A rowdy woman is so forceful that she outdoes her husband in a loud cry against speculators who refuse poor people entrance to a block of new apartments, built after WW2. Without noticing it, she starts a people's movement, and leads a march to the capital. She returns to her village a winner, an honourable MP. Yet, she is still the same simple, fiery woman, able to get in a hair-pulling brawl with the local barmaid for the affection of her man.
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Angelina - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Luigi Zampa
Main Cast
- Anna Magnani
- Nando Bruno
- Ernesto Almirante
- Agnese Dubbini
- Armando Migliari
- Maria Donati
- Franco Zeffirelli
- Ave Ninchi
- Maria Grazia Francia
- Vittorio Mottini
Writers
- Piero Tellini
Angelina - FAQs
What is Angelina (1947) about?
Angelina follows a spirited working-class woman in postwar Italy who rallies her neighbors against housing speculators blocking poor families from new apartments. Her passionate protest snowballs into a full-blown people's movement, eventually carrying her all the way to parliament — though she never loses her fiery, down-to-earth spirit.
Is Angelina worth watching for classic film fans?
Absolutely. Angelina is a gem of Italian neorealism, lifted by one of Anna Magnani's most electrifying performances. The film blends sharp social commentary with genuine warmth and humor, making it both a fascinating historical document of postwar Italy and a thoroughly entertaining character study.
Where can I stream Angelina (1947)?
Streaming availability for Angelina varies by region and platform. Your best bet is to check JustWatch, which tracks current viewing options across all major streaming services and rental platforms in your area, so you can find the most up-to-date options in one place.
What makes Anna Magnani's performance so memorable here?
Magnani brings raw, unfiltered energy to Angelina Bianchi — she's loud, funny, tender, and utterly believable as a woman who stumbles into political heroism without ever losing her street-level authenticity. It's the kind of performance that feels less like acting and more like a force of nature captured on film.
Is Angelina part of the Italian neorealist movement?
Yes, Angelina sits squarely within Italian neorealism. Directed by Luigi Zampa in 1947, the film reflects the movement's hallmarks: location shooting, working-class protagonists, and a sharp focus on the social struggles of ordinary Italians rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of World War II.
Did Franco Zeffirelli appear in Angelina?
Yes — before becoming one of cinema's most celebrated directors, Franco Zeffirelli appeared as a young actor in Angelina, playing Filippo Garrone. It's a fascinating footnote: the future director of Romeo and Juliet and La Traviata got his start on screen in this beloved Italian classic.
Who directed Angelina and what is his legacy?
Luigi Zampa directed Angelina, and he's considered one of the key figures of Italian neorealist and social comedy cinema. Known for films that blend humor with pointed social critique, Zampa had a gift for drawing naturalistic performances from his cast — nowhere more evident than in his work with Anna Magnani here.
What films are similar to Angelina (1947)?
If Angelina resonates with you, films like Racing with the Moon (1984) and Finally Dawn (2024) share its warmth and period sensibility. For more Italian neorealist flavor, exploring the broader works of Vittorio De Sica or Roberto Rossellini from the same era would be a natural and rewarding next step.
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