The Thief of Venice: Difference between revisions

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| caption =
| caption =
| director =[[John Brahm]]
| director =[[John Brahm]]
| producer =[[Robert Haggiag]]<br>Dario Sabatello
| producer =[[Robert Haggiag]]
| writer = [[John Brahm]]<br>Salvatore Cabasino<br>[[Jesse Lasky Jr.]]
| writer = [[Jesse Lasky Jr.]]<br>uncredited<br>[[John Brahm]]<br>Salvatore Cabasino
|based on = story by Michael Pertwee
|based on = story by Michael Pertwee
| narrator =
| narrator =
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==Plot==
==Plot==
In 1575 Venice, the Doge has just died and Scarpa the Grand Inquisitor leads a plot to seize control of Venice.
In the middle ages the Grand Inquisitor leads a plot to seize control of Venice. A popular admiral works to stop the Grand Inquisitor's power grab and is killed in the resulting conflict. One of the admiral's soldiers continues the fight against the Grand Inquisitor and gets romantically involved with the admiral's daughter. The romance and relationship dynamic becomes the focus until the Grand Inquisitor kills both of them and makes clothing out of their skin.


Disani, a popular admiral works to stop the Grand Inquisitor's power grab with the help of Lorenzo, one of his officers. They manage to get back to Venice in record time by promising the galley slaves their freedom. When they arrive back Disani is killed and Lorenzo goes into hiding.

Lorenzo continues the fight against Scarpa, who plans to marry Disani's daughter Francesca. Lorenzo and Francesca fall in love even though Lorenzo is also loved by tavern girl Tina.

Lorenzo's rebellion against Scarpa is successful.
==Cast==
==Cast==
*[[Maria Montez]] ... Tina
*[[Maria Montez]] as Tina
*[[Paul Hubschmid|Paul Christian]] ... Alfiere Lorenzo Contarini
*[[Paul Hubschmid|Paul Christian]] as Alfiere Lorenzo Contarini
*[[Massimo Serato]] ... Scrap the Inquisitor
*[[Massimo Serato]] as Scarpa the Inquisitor
*[[Faye Marlowe]] ... Francesca Disani
*[[Faye Marlowe]] as Francesca Disani
*[[Aldo Silvani]] ... Capt. von Sturm
*[[Aldo Silvani]] as Capt. von Sturm
*[[Luigi Saltamerenda]] ... Alfredo
*[[Luigi Saltamerenda]] ... Alfredo
*[[Guido Celano]] ... Polo
*[[Guido Celano]] ... Polo
Line 48: Line 53:


==Production==
==Production==
The movie was an Italian-American co production.<ref>Revue Beckoning Webb; Lesser Planning Series; Rains 'Barricade' Star
The movie was an Italian-American co production. It was announced in March 1949 with Gordon Griffith to be the original producer and Jess Lasky Jnr to be associate producer. Filming was to begin June 1 and [[Jacques Tourneur]] was intended to direct.<ref>Revue Beckoning Webb; Lesser Planning Series; Rains 'Barricade' Star
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 17 Mar 1949: 23.</ref> Originally [[Edmond O'Brien]] and his wife [[Olga San Juan]] were mentioned as possibly starring in the movie which was being produced by Monte Schaff and Lou Appleton.<ref>MOVIELAND BRIEFS
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 17 Mar 1949: 23.</ref>
⚫
Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 09 June 1949: B11.</ref> Douglas Fairbanks Jnr was also mentioned as a possible lead.<ref>Israel Bids for Adler, Muni and Hecht Play; Rogers Seeks Star Packet
⚫
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 30 Mar 1949: 15.</ref> Eventually it was announced Nathan Wachsberger would produce (in Europe) from a script by Jesse Lasky Jrn, and that former Universal contract stars [[Maria Montez]] and [[Paul Hubschmid|Paul Christian]] would star.<ref>Jesse Lasky Jr. Plans Production in Europe; Bromfield Gets New Deal
⚫
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 12 Aug 1949: A7.</ref>


In June it was thought [[Edmond O'Brien]] and his wife [[Olga San Juan]] would star and the producers would be Monte Schaff and Lou Appleton.<ref>MOVIELAND BRIEFS
⚫
[[John Brahm]] signed to direct and [[Faye Marlowe]] and [[George Sanders]] were to play support roles, with filming to start in Italy on 1 November 1949.<ref>Faye Marlowe Returning as George Sanders Lead; Ball-Arnaz Deal Sighted
⚫
Los Angeles Times 9 June 1949: B11.</ref> Douglas Fairbanks Jnr was also mentioned as a possible lead and Nat Waschburger was going to be the European producer.<ref>Israel Bids for Adler, Muni and Hecht Play; Rogers Seeks Star Packet
⚫
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 26 Oct 1949: 23.</ref> Sanders eventually pulled out.<ref>Corey Pursues Romantic Course in 'Furies;' Italy Expedition Launching
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 28 Oct 1949: 21.</ref>
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 30 Mar 1949: 15.</ref> [[Olive Deering]] was mentioned as a possible female lead.<ref>Eleanor Parker Will Do First Color Feature; Garland Stirs Memories
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 10 May 1949: A7. </ref>


⚫
Eventually in August it was announced Nathan Wachsberger would produce (in Europe) from a script by Jesse Lasky Jrn, and that former Universal contract stars [[Maria Montez]] and [[Paul Hubschmid|Paul Christian]] would star. Christian had just made ''Bagdad'' with [[Maureen O'Hara]].<ref>Jesse Lasky Jr. Plans Production in Europe; Bromfield Gets New Deal
⚫
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 12 Aug 1949: A7.</ref>

⚫
[[John Brahm]] signed to direct and [[Faye Marlowe]] and [[George Sanders]] were to play support roles, with filming to start in Italy on 1 November 1949. (Brahm had worked with both at 20th Century Fox.)<ref>Faye Marlowe Returning as George Sanders Lead; Ball-Arnaz Deal Sighted
⚫
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 26 Oct 1949: 23.</ref> Sanders eventually pulled out.<ref>Corey Pursues Romantic Course in 'Furies;' Italy Expedition Launching
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 28 Oct 1949: 21.</ref>
===Shooting===
The movie was shot on location in Italy with studio work done at Scalera Studios.<ref>Of Local Origin
The movie was shot on location in Italy with studio work done at Scalera Studios.<ref>Of Local Origin
New York Times 24 Nov 1952: 19.</ref> Filming finished by March 1950.<ref>ITALIAN FILM INDUSTRY IS WARY OF AMERICA' S: Suspicions Roused by Treatment Accorded 'Stromboli' and 'Bicycle Thief'-Here Skeptical Not Enough Fog Coming Up
⚫
New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 24 Nov 1952: 19.</ref>
By JANE CIANFARRA. New York Times 26 Mar 1950: 101. </ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
===Critical===
The ''New York Tims'' called it "mammoth, picturesque and infantile" which "represents the lustiest barrage of screen hokum in a blue moon. Principally because of the unabashed muscularity of the action and a stunning authenticity of background this production... remains for the most part palatable fun to watch."<ref>THE SCREEN IN REVIEW
⚫
H. H. T. New York Times 28 Nov 1952: 22. </ref>

The ''Christian Science Monitor'' said that "a series of coups, captures and escapes take place with a great deal of running about but very little inventiveness."<ref>Maria Montez Seen in Film Made in Italy
The ''Christian Science Monitor'' said that "a series of coups, captures and escapes take place with a great deal of running about but very little inventiveness."<ref>Maria Montez Seen in Film Made in Italy
R.N.. The Christian Science Monitor (1908-Current file) [Boston, Mass] 29 Jan 1953: 6.</ref>
R.N.. The Christian Science Monitor 29 Jan 1953: 6.</ref>


The ''Washington Post'' called it "a rip snorting Western" style film.<ref name="post">'Thief of Venice' Provides Lots of Action -- In 1575
The ''Washington Post'' called it "a rip snorting Western" style film.<ref name="post">'Thief of Venice' Provides Lots of Action -- In 1575
By Dorothea Pattee Post Reporter. The Washington Post (1923-1954) [Washington, D.C] 14 Mar 1953: 4.</ref>
By Dorothea Pattee Post Reporter. The Washington Post 14 Mar 1953: 4.</ref>


[[Jean Pierre Aumont]], Montez's husband, liked Brahm's direction so much that he wanted him to direct Aumont in a film called ''The Bumbler''.<ref>British Will Re-enact Big Malta Fight; Busch Story Eyed for Jennifer
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 27 Oct 1952: B9. </ref>
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
Line 73: Line 90:
==External links==
==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0042662}}
* {{IMDb title|0042662}}
*[https://letterboxd.com/film/the-thief-of-venice/ The Thief of Venice] at Letterbox DVD

{{John Brahm}}
{{John Brahm}}


Revision as of 12:09, 1 April 2019

The Thief of Venice
Directed byJohn Brahm
Written byJesse Lasky Jr.
uncredited
John Brahm
Salvatore Cabasino
Produced byRobert Haggiag
StarringMaria Montez
Paul Christian
Massimo Serato
Faye Marlow
Aldo Silvani
CinematographyAnchise Brizzi
Edited byRenzo Lucidi
Terry Morse
Music byAlessandro Cicognini
Production
company
Sparta Films
Distributed by20th Century-Fox (US)
Release dates
1950 (Italy)
November 1952 (US)
Running time
91 minutes
CountriesItaly
United States
LanguagesItalian
English
Budget$3 million[1]
Box office1,745,680 admissions (France)[2]

The Thief of Venice or Il Ladro di Venezia is a 1950 Italian film directed by John Brahm. The US title was "The Thief of Venice".

It was released in the US two years after being made.[3]

Plot

In 1575 Venice, the Doge has just died and Scarpa the Grand Inquisitor leads a plot to seize control of Venice.

Disani, a popular admiral works to stop the Grand Inquisitor's power grab with the help of Lorenzo, one of his officers. They manage to get back to Venice in record time by promising the galley slaves their freedom. When they arrive back Disani is killed and Lorenzo goes into hiding.

Lorenzo continues the fight against Scarpa, who plans to marry Disani's daughter Francesca. Lorenzo and Francesca fall in love even though Lorenzo is also loved by tavern girl Tina.

Lorenzo's rebellion against Scarpa is successful.

Cast

Production

The movie was an Italian-American co production. It was announced in March 1949 with Gordon Griffith to be the original producer and Jess Lasky Jnr to be associate producer. Filming was to begin June 1 and Jacques Tourneur was intended to direct.[4]

In June it was thought Edmond O'Brien and his wife Olga San Juan would star and the producers would be Monte Schaff and Lou Appleton.[5] Douglas Fairbanks Jnr was also mentioned as a possible lead and Nat Waschburger was going to be the European producer.[6] Olive Deering was mentioned as a possible female lead.[7]

Eventually in August it was announced Nathan Wachsberger would produce (in Europe) from a script by Jesse Lasky Jrn, and that former Universal contract stars Maria Montez and Paul Christian would star. Christian had just made Bagdad with Maureen O'Hara.[8]

John Brahm signed to direct and Faye Marlowe and George Sanders were to play support roles, with filming to start in Italy on 1 November 1949. (Brahm had worked with both at 20th Century Fox.)[9] Sanders eventually pulled out.[10]

Shooting

The movie was shot on location in Italy with studio work done at Scalera Studios.[11] Filming finished by March 1950.[12]

Reception

Critical

The New York Tims called it "mammoth, picturesque and infantile" which "represents the lustiest barrage of screen hokum in a blue moon. Principally because of the unabashed muscularity of the action and a stunning authenticity of background this production... remains for the most part palatable fun to watch."[13]

The Christian Science Monitor said that "a series of coups, captures and escapes take place with a great deal of running about but very little inventiveness."[14]

The Washington Post called it "a rip snorting Western" style film.[1]

Jean Pierre Aumont, Montez's husband, liked Brahm's direction so much that he wanted him to direct Aumont in a film called The Bumbler.[15]

References

  1. ^ a b 'Thief of Venice' Provides Lots of Action -- In 1575 By Dorothea Pattee Post Reporter. The Washington Post 14 Mar 1953: 4.
  2. ^ French box office for 1951 at Box Office Story
  3. ^ The Thief of Venice at Maria Montez Fan page
  4. ^ Revue Beckoning Webb; Lesser Planning Series; Rains 'Barricade' Star Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 17 Mar 1949: 23.
  5. ^ MOVIELAND BRIEFS Los Angeles Times 9 June 1949: B11.
  6. ^ Israel Bids for Adler, Muni and Hecht Play; Rogers Seeks Star Packet Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 30 Mar 1949: 15.
  7. ^ Eleanor Parker Will Do First Color Feature; Garland Stirs Memories Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 10 May 1949: A7.
  8. ^ Jesse Lasky Jr. Plans Production in Europe; Bromfield Gets New Deal Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 12 Aug 1949: A7.
  9. ^ Faye Marlowe Returning as George Sanders Lead; Ball-Arnaz Deal Sighted Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 26 Oct 1949: 23.
  10. ^ Corey Pursues Romantic Course in 'Furies;' Italy Expedition Launching Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 28 Oct 1949: 21.
  11. ^ Of Local Origin New York Times 24 Nov 1952: 19.
  12. ^ ITALIAN FILM INDUSTRY IS WARY OF AMERICA' S: Suspicions Roused by Treatment Accorded 'Stromboli' and 'Bicycle Thief'-Here Skeptical Not Enough Fog Coming Up By JANE CIANFARRA. New York Times 26 Mar 1950: 101.
  13. ^ THE SCREEN IN REVIEW H. H. T. New York Times 28 Nov 1952: 22.
  14. ^ Maria Montez Seen in Film Made in Italy R.N.. The Christian Science Monitor 29 Jan 1953: 6.
  15. ^ British Will Re-enact Big Malta Fight; Busch Story Eyed for Jennifer Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 27 Oct 1952: B9.
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