Set amidst the ruins of post-war Italy Marcello Pagliero's Roma Citta Libera (1946) is a film visibly influenced by Roberto Rosellini's Roma, Citta Aperta (1945). Poverty, depression, and a heavy sense of pessimism is what the main protagonists in this Italian production must face.

The story of Roma Citta Libera evolves around a group of characters whose lives appear closely intertwined in a web of disappointments-a lonely typist (Valentina Cortese from Jules Dassin's Thieves Highway) is unable to pay her rent and therefore forced to consider prostitution; a cat-burglar who would turn hero (Nando Bruno from Claudio Gora's Tre Straniere a Roma a.k.a Three Strangers in Rome); a distinguished gentleman wandering around Rome's locales attempting to regain his memory (the famous maestro Vittorio De Sica); and an American soldier who desperately wants to get married (Gar Moore from Luigi Zampa's Vivere in Pace a.k.a To Live in Peace). In approximately twenty-four hours all of the main protagonists in Roma Citta Libera will make a crucial decision that will change their lives forever.

Assisted by famous cinematographer Aldo Tonti who in 1957 will join Federico Fellini in his memorable Le Notti di Cabiria a.k.a Nights of Cabiria Marcello Pagliero built his story around what many would consider as the key ingredients for the prevalent at the time in Italian cinema Neorealism: images of suffering Italian workers, a socially relevant dialog, and plenty of easily decipherable symbolism. Yet, unlike some of the best neorealist films from the era Roma Citta Libera remains somewhat tame, at times almost intimate.

A quick glance at the music score for Marcello Pagliero's film also reveals another familiar name-Nino Rota, a man who would often move together with Aldo Tonti and eventually will compose some of the greatest music to be used in film (Fellini's 8 ½, La Dolce Vita, as well as Coppola's legendary The Godfather). Obviously there is some very serious contribution in Roma Citta Libera that should arouse the interest of knowledgeable cinefilles-from acting and direction to the mentioned above marvelous music score.

For me personally however the most intriguing aspect of this film remains the manner in which all of the main protagonists manage to remain crucial to the story. Unlike the films of Michelangelo Antonioni, Luchino Visconti, and even Alessandro Blasetti where one (very strong) character will often eclipse everyone else in Roma Citta Libera it is rather difficult to pinpoint exactly who the most enigmatic character is. Marcello Pagliero appears to have structured his film in such a way that until the final credits roll it is virtually impossible to single out any of the main characters-they are all overpowering in their own unique way.

Never before seen in North America Roma Citta Libera provides a look at the legacy of a director with a curious style. Despite of the visible similarities with the classic Roberto Rosellini film Roma, Citta Aperta Marcello Pagliero's Roma Citta Libera is a worthy addition to the rather limited crop of classic Italian cinema available on the American market.

Awards/ Recognition:

In 1948 the film won the Silver Ribbon for Best Story (Ennio Flaiano) granted by the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists.

How Does the DVD Look?

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 Roma Citta Libera arrives courtesy of R1 distribs NoShame Films and as expected the quality of this print is spectacular. The film has undergone the typically impressive restoration work which the Italian branch of NoShame Films is now well-known for and the results are stunning. Contrast is practically flawless, the print is virtually free of any damage marks/dots, and the black-white color gradation is impressively handled. Furthermore, detail has been handled quite well and as a result there is plenty for the eye to observe. The only minor issue which the most picky of film aficionados would likely notice is the fact that during a few scenes there is a very minor flicker. In my opinion however this is one mighty-well done presentation and as usual the restoration work leaves me wishing that NoShame Films dig even deeper into their vaults.

How Does the DVD Sound?

It must have been a great challenge for the Italian crew working on the restoration of this film to put together an audio mix of quality deserving of the video presentation. As I understand from the little that is suggested in the interviews provided in this DVD not much was available for the producers to work with. As a result there are a few audio fluctuations here and there (most notably as far as balance is concerned). The film is presented with its original DD Mono Italian track and optional (bleached-yellow) subtitles and for the most part everything appears to be in check. (I do have to point out that if some of you notice that occasionally there is a slight synch-discrepancy it is all part of the Italian print, and of course part of the manner in which Italian film editors dealt with the issue at the time).

Extras:

Aside from the mandatory excellent booklet which NoShame Films provide for each of their releases featuring articles from on-staff contributor Richard Harland Smith (a short essay about the history behind Roma Citta Libera, a short De Sica essay/biography, and a short Nino Rota essay/biography) what you will find on this DVD in terms of extras is: an interview with screenwriter Luigi Filippo D'Amico titled "A Life In Movies" in which he speaks about Marcello Pagliero and his attitude toward the finished product/film. Next, there is a short commentary by film-historian Oreste De Fornari who sheds light on the history behind this project and some of the parallels that have been drawn with Roma, Citta Aperta. Last but not least there is the original Italian theatrical trailer for this film.

Final Words:

Favorite US distribs NoShame Films add another spectacular film to their impressive catalog of Classic Italian cinema. Digitally-restored Roma Citta Libera is an excellent opportunity to travel back to the time when Italian Neorealism was growing roots. As usual we award such great efforts with the deserved HIGHLY RECOMMENDED mark!!