''Serenata a Maria'' (literally "Serenade for Maria") is a 1957 Italian

musical Musical is the adjective of music. Musical may also refer to: * Musical theatre, a performance art that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance * Musical film and television, a genre of film and television that incorporates into the narr ...

melodrama film A modern melodrama is a dramatic work in which the plot, typically sensationalized and for a strong emotional appeal, takes precedence over detailed characterization. Melodramas typically concentrate on dialogue that is often bombastic or exces ...

co-written and directed by

Luigi Capuano Luigi Capuano (13 July 1904 – 20 October 1979) was an Italian film director and screenwriter. Born in Naples, he directed 43 films between 1947 and 1971. Selected filmography * ''Vertigine d'amore'' (1949) * ''Flying Squadron (film), Flyin ...

and starring

Maria Fiore Maria Fiore (1 October 1935 – 28 October 2004) was an Italian film and television actress. She appeared in 50 films between 1952 and 1999. Life and career Born Jolanda Di Fiore in Rome, in spite of a non-professional acting background, sh ...

and

Sergio Bruni Sergio Bruni (stage name of Guglielmo Chianese, 15 September 1921 – 22 June 2003) was a popular Italian singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He was often called "The Voice of Naples". He was born in the commune of Villaricca, near Naples, Italy ...

."Serenata a Maria". ''Segnalazioni Cinematografiche'', vol. XLII. 1957.

Trama

When Stefano Apicella, after having completed his studies at a music conservatory with the help of an uncle, returns to the town, he finds that the creditors are seizing his uncle's boats. Fortunately, a friend of Stefano's, the painter Pasqualino, with a brilliant cheat, saves the situation. In the village Stefano meets Maria, for whom he had a tender feeling in other times, and little by little love is rekindled between the two. But during Stefano's absence, Maria met Renato, an unscrupulous man who deceived her and made her a mother, and now threatens a scandal, thus forcing Maria to leave the country. In the meantime Stefano has put together an orchestra and the success brought back to town leads him to move with his companions to the city, where success is renewed, and the ensemble can be produced on radio and television. Stefano learned by chance the painful story of Maria and during the TV broadcast he addresses simple and affectionate expressions to the woman he loves, which only she can understand. Mary receives the secret message and after various alternatives, the two can crown their dream of love on the day when Mary's little daughter receives Confirmation.

Cast

as Pupella Cagliano *

as Stefano Rota *

Leda Gloria Leda may refer to: Mythology * Leda (mythology), queen of Sparta and mother of Helen of Troy in Greek mythology Places * Leda, Western Australia, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia * Leda makeshift settlement, Bangladesh, a refugee camp ...

as Pupella's mother *

Pietro De Vico Pietro De Vico (1 February 1911 – 10 December 1999) was an Italian film actor. He appeared in 70 films between 1948 and 1991. He was born in Naples, and died in Rome. He was married, from 1937 until his death in 1999, to actress Anna Campo ...

as Pasqualino, the painter * Marisa Belli as Maria, Pupella's sister *

Andrea Aureli Andrea Aureli (5 March 1923 – 5 November 2007) was an Italian actor. Life and career Born in Terni, Aureli graduated from the Liceo classico in his hometown, then he enrolled the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome, graduating in ...

as Alfredo, Maria's lover *

Amedeo Trilli Amedeo Trilli (9 July 1906 – 30 November 1971) was an Italian film and television actor. Life and career Born in Ronciglione, Viterbo, at very young age Trilli worked as a circus artist, then in 1922 he studied performance at the Accademia ...

as Salvatore Rota *

Pina Gallini Pina Gallini (19 March 1888 – 31 January 1974) was an Italian film actress. She appeared in 82 films between 1935 and 1963. Selected filmography * '' The Countess of Parma'' (1936) * ''The Ferocious Saladin'' (1937) * '' The Former Matti ...

as The Shopkeeper *

Nerio Bernardi Nerio Bernardi (23 July 1899 – 12 January 1971) was an Italian film actor. He appeared in nearly 200 films between 1918 and 1970. He was born in Bologna, Italy and died in Rome, Italy. Selected filmography * ''Nero'' (1922) * ''The Sheph ...

References

External links

* 1957 romantic drama films Films directed by Luigi Capuano 1957 films Italian romantic drama films Melodrama films Italian black-and-white films 1950s Italian films {{romantic-drama-film-stub