A man's life in the theater is coming to an abrupt end. Michelangelo, a man that has specialized in playing Pulcinella, a character from the Italian "Commedia Dell'Arte", goes to his last audition. He is not wanted in the production being cast by an old impresario. He is too old for what they are trying to do. His son, Francesco, is a troubled youth who must leave Naples if he wants to survive. Francesco witnessed a crime, so if he does not leave, he might end up dead. Michelangelo is broken hearted.
After finding his son is in Paris, he follows him there. Francesco is part of an urban tribe living in one of the suburbs where crime is rife. Michelangelo sees a possibility of bringing his art to French audiences when he discovers an old theater nor far from where Francesco is living. The relic now houses Marie, an old actress who is afraid to go anywhere near where she lives for fear of being mugged. The suburb is populated by poor immigrants from Africa.
In order to put his plan into practice, he contacts his friend Jean, a professor at the Sorbone. Jean thinks he can help. Michelangelo has a novel idea, how about getting the unemployed and aimless immigrant youths involved in a project. Jean, has the perfect solution, how about an unknown text by the great Roberto Rossellini, adapted to fit the needs. Unfortunately, the police has another surprise for the group, some of the members are wanted for their involvement in crimes. The passion Michelangelo inspires in his new found friends is what the neighborhood needed.
Mario Scaparro, who directed and collaborated on the screenplay had a good idea of bringing art to the neglected classes in this film that is worth a look from admirers of the great Neapolitan singer and actor Massimo Rainieri. Add to that a variation on an unknown work by Roberto Rossellini, and a mix of different acting styles and the result is a delightful film with a fast pace that shows a love for the theater and the involvement of a man that saw a possibility in broadening these ghetto kids' mentality.
Mr. Rainieri does wonders with his role. Jean Sorel is on hand to play Jean the friendly professor. Adriana Asti is seen as Marie. Valeria Cavali plays Paola, the estranged wife of Michelangelo.
After finding his son is in Paris, he follows him there. Francesco is part of an urban tribe living in one of the suburbs where crime is rife. Michelangelo sees a possibility of bringing his art to French audiences when he discovers an old theater nor far from where Francesco is living. The relic now houses Marie, an old actress who is afraid to go anywhere near where she lives for fear of being mugged. The suburb is populated by poor immigrants from Africa.
In order to put his plan into practice, he contacts his friend Jean, a professor at the Sorbone. Jean thinks he can help. Michelangelo has a novel idea, how about getting the unemployed and aimless immigrant youths involved in a project. Jean, has the perfect solution, how about an unknown text by the great Roberto Rossellini, adapted to fit the needs. Unfortunately, the police has another surprise for the group, some of the members are wanted for their involvement in crimes. The passion Michelangelo inspires in his new found friends is what the neighborhood needed.
Mario Scaparro, who directed and collaborated on the screenplay had a good idea of bringing art to the neglected classes in this film that is worth a look from admirers of the great Neapolitan singer and actor Massimo Rainieri. Add to that a variation on an unknown work by Roberto Rossellini, and a mix of different acting styles and the result is a delightful film with a fast pace that shows a love for the theater and the involvement of a man that saw a possibility in broadening these ghetto kids' mentality.
Mr. Rainieri does wonders with his role. Jean Sorel is on hand to play Jean the friendly professor. Adriana Asti is seen as Marie. Valeria Cavali plays Paola, the estranged wife of Michelangelo.