Italiano Brava Gente (1964)
Directed by Giuseppe De Santis
Share on
Synopsis by Hal Erickson
The Russo/Italian coproduction Attack and Retreat was titled Italiano Brava Gente in Italy and Oni Shli Na Vostok in the USSR. This "solidarity" war epic hinges on the plot device of Italian and Soviet WWII troops forming a united front against their one-time ally, the Germans. To drum up business in America, the producers hired two Hollywood stars: Arthur Kennedy (as a fascist leader) and Peter Falk. In some prints of this film, Kennedy and Falk's highly distinctive voices have been dubbed by anonymous actors. Attack and Retreat was gorgeously filmed on location in the Ukraine with an international team of cinematographers. Originally released at 156 minutes, the film has been severely pared down for subsequent reissues and TV showings.
Characteristics
Themes
Keywords
war, atrocity, attack, bonding [relationship], chronicle, civilian, fidelity, friendship, generosity, Germany, girl, Italy, leader, medical-treatment, Nazism, prison, rebel, retreat [sanctuary], revenge, Russia, soldier, troops
