by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Based on stage comedy by Alberto Colatuoni, I Fratelli Castiglioni is the story of four brothers. A nasty, avaricious bunch, the brothers Castiglioni are thrilled when their uncle wins two million lire in the national lottery. Alas, dear Uncle dies before he can reveal the hiding place of the lucky lottery ticket. This sets off a frantic search, with all four brothers literally climbing over one another to locate the precious ticket. And when the rest of the family gets in on the act? Mama Mia! I Fratelli Castiglioni is at its best when it veers into black-comedy territory, as in the scene where the four brothers dig up Uncle's grave in hopes of rifling his pockets -- only to discover that someone has beaten them to it.
