The Commandant (1963)
A sharp Italian comedy starring Totò as a retired general whose family will go to surprising lengths just to keep him out of the house.
The Commandant - Movie Information
- Original Title: Il comandante
- Release Year: 1963
- Directed by: Paolo Heusch
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 23, 1963 (Italy)
- Production Companies: PCM, Incei Film
- Production Countries: Italy
The Commandant - Plot
The retired general Antonio Cavalli is a nuisance to his family: to his wife Francesca who still works, to his son and to his daughter-in-law. Then he finds a job in a building firm. Only by chance Cavalli finds out that his salary is paid by his wife to keep him busy. But the general is well known as a very reliable man, and Sandrelli, the firm's owner, uses him and his name to win a valuable contract. When Sandrelli is arrested, the general finds the money to honour his debt but he is robbed while he is going to the bank...
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The Commandant - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paolo Heusch
Main Cast
- Totò
- Andreina Pagnani
- Britt Ekland
- Franco Fabrizi
- Isa Crescenzi
- Linda Sini
- Carlotta Barilli
- Alberto De Amicis
- Luciano Marin
- Mario Castellani
Writers
- Rodolfo Sonego
Producers
- Luciano Ercoli
- Alberto Pugliese
The Commandant - FAQs
Who plays the lead role in The Commandant?
The lead role of retired General Antonio Cavalli is played by Totò, the beloved Italian comic actor whose full name was Antonio De Curtis. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedic performers in Italian cinema history, and this film showcases his signature blend of physical comedy and sharp wit.
Where can you watch The Commandant online?
Streaming availability for The Commandant varies by region and platform. You can check the most up-to-date viewing options, including any rental or purchase options, on JustWatch, which aggregates streaming availability across multiple services in your area.
What is The Commandant about?
The Commandant follows retired General Antonio Cavalli, whose restless presence at home irritates his entire family. His wife secretly pays a building firm to employ him. When the firm's owner is arrested, the general's sense of honour drives him to raise funds to cover the debt, leading to further comic misadventure.
Who directed The Commandant (1963)?
The Commandant was directed by Paolo Heusch, an Italian filmmaker active during the 1950s and 1960s. The screenplay was written by Rodolfo Sonego, a frequent collaborator of Totò who crafted many of the comedian's most memorable film vehicles during this era.
When was The Commandant released?
The Commandant was released in Italy on December 23, 1963. The film arrived during a particularly prolific period for Italian comedy cinema, and it benefited from the enormous popularity of its star Totò, who was one of the country's most bankable performers throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Is Britt Ekland in The Commandant?
Yes, Swedish actress Britt Ekland appears in The Commandant in the role of Iris. The film was made early in her career, before she gained international fame. She appears alongside the Italian comedy legend Totò and a strong ensemble cast that includes Andreina Pagnani and Franco Fabrizi.
How long is The Commandant?
The Commandant has a runtime of 105 minutes, or 1 hour and 45 minutes. The film moves at a brisk comic pace typical of Italian comedies of the early 1960s, balancing domestic farce with satirical observations about military pride, family dynamics, and the absurdities of working life.
What language is The Commandant filmed in?
The Commandant is filmed entirely in Italian. It is an Italian production made by PCM and Incei Film, set and shot in Italy. Viewers watching outside Italy will typically need subtitles, though dubbed versions may also be available depending on the platform or release format.
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