What can we expect from a great comedy? Here’s a suggestion: to have all the problems of the world thrown at us, yet to walk out of the theatre in a better mood. If we can agree on this, then La maschera e il volto is indeed a great comedy.
Claudio Ruper
Claudio is married to Cesarina, a frivolous and unfaithful woman. After the death of their only son their marriage is cold. While his wife lives her free life, Claudio is dedicated to the development of sophisticated weapons, elaborating the project of a new cannon; but smitten by the virtuous Jew Rebecca he can not surrender to his feelings because his religion prevents him from getting a divorce.
Valnera
A businessman marries Maria, the daughter of the rich professor, not for love but for personal gain. He betrays and humiliates her but she hides his despicable character from both her father and society at large and takes comfort in the company of a ship’s lieutenant. They fall in love but agree to interrupt their impossible relationship. Pregnant with her lover’s child, Maria decides to follow her heart and join him at sea but a series of dramatic events awaits them.
Director
In the countryside of Verona, a Sardinian boy meets Italian soldiers and became the mascot (the drummer), right before a fight with the Austrian army. During the battle, the boy, small and agile, is committed to pass the gauntlet to deliver a vital distress call.
Nerone
Short costume picture on the infamous Roman Emperor.
Prince of Sèvre
Young aviatrix Lyda spurns the advances of the Prince of Sèvre and falls in love with journalist Mario, who, although engaged to Cesarina, goes to Lyda's home. Cesarina sees them and manages to persuade Mario to leave Lyda.
Col. Julius Holbein
Grand Duchy of Wallenstein. Elsa Holbein is the young beautiful daughter of General Julius, the Chief of the General Staff. After a spy named Moise Sthar steals military documents, Julius is accused of betrayal. He kills himself while Elsa is forced to leave. Homeless, she begins wandering the streets until, on the Riviera, she starts her performing career under the pseudonym of Diana Cadouleur and becomes a successful actress and singer. One day, in a small church, she meets an elegant young man and she falls in love with him. But during a tour on the Lucarno Lake she runs into Sthar who, rejected by Elena, spreads rumors about Prince Massimiliano’s behavior.
Italian drama about the conspiracy against Murat.
