La contessa scalza

“La contessa scalza is a sensational melodrama that moves between Portofino and Rapallo, two cities that since the 1950s have represented two extreme examples of how Liguria has changed, with Portofino encased in its postcard-perfect beauty and Rapallo disfigured by new construction.” With these words, architects Gianandrea Barreca and Giovanni La Varra, guest curators of MDFF 2020-2021, present one of the great classics included in their section, which presents films as sensors for investigating changes in the territory. With a narrative construction entrusted to the voice of one of the protagonists and, supported by flashbacks regarding the four main characters, the plot revolves around the life of a Hollywood dancer and the frustrations that signal her ruin. One step away from receiving the Oscar for Best Screenplay, of the exceptional cast including Ava Gardener, Humphrey Bogart and Edmond O’Brien, the latter won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This movie is available only for live screening. Check our home page for the program.